Japanese Maple

[HowAnnoying]

Hi, completely rubbish gardener here!

I want to get a small tree, preferably a Maple, but the soil here is heavy clay, and not acidic are there any Maples that I can buy that are easy to keep and don't require to much expertise?

Are you me? I was about to post an identical question, so bumping for you!

We have heavy clay too - I really want a Japanese Maple so was thinking of digging out a HUGE hole and filling with lovely compost (non acidic - apparently they don't like that)

We have heavy clay here and about two years ago I planted an Acer palmatum 'Sango-kaku' and it is fabulous. It got a bit of leaf scorch initially, but now is very happy with its roots in shade and top half in sun. I have a small garden and this is perfect because it's quite a slow grower as with all acers, that said in 2 years it's grown by about a quarter again.

Got mine from Crocus and it's a beautiful tree. Fantastic green leaves in spring summer, turning yellow, orange, red in autumn then the striking red stems shine in the winter sun., Love it!

Thanks! Just had a look at that one, and it looks perfect. We're in the same situation - root half will be in almost permanent shade, and top in the sun so good to know

Had a look at crocus too - lots cheaper than our local garden centre

Our soil is clay over chalk, so very alkaline. We planted an acer palmatum "Bloodgood" about 10 years ago, and it is thriving - so much we have to consider pruning it.

I don't think an alkaline soil is a barrier, but I have heard you need acid soil for the most brilliant autumn colour.