Just repotted one of my favorite Japanese Maple that I had for over 5 years (yeah, I know, you are wondering, why is it so small? At least why the tree is not thicker ? :)

I think that's because I did not take good care of the tree (didn't feed it) and did not use good quality soil. So why did I mistreat one of my favorite Japanese Maple?

To answer that question, I will take you back 5-6 years from today when I first got this tree with few other Japanese maples. I originally planned on planting all the JM on the ground, but to may dismay this specific tree was injured (Big branch from Pine tree fell on top of it and broke it in half!!! ). I was super upset but eventually moved on. Even though I was left with a stick on some dirt, I decided not to through it as it showed some sign of life in a few weeks (very slow grower by the way). Anyway, eventually it ended up with few

more branches (on its way to look more like a tree). Over the years, I have done some pruning but nothing major. As I cared for the tree, I've developed a soft spot for it. So I have searched for a better home for it, but finally took action. :((

The cultivar is called .. Acer shirasawanum (Golden Full Moon Maple, Japanese Maple 'Aureum') . I love the Lime Green color of the leaves and their shape. I can't believe I didn't think I would ever love any JM other than Red :p ..

Back to my decision to repot it today. Actually, I am somewhat regretting my decision to repot this maple right now which might bring it out of its dormancy. It this plant wakes up, it will start to bud and then frost would definitely kill those new growth and perhaps the tree! (In Atlanta, Georgia frost can occur as late as early March).

Uggh! Was that a bad decision? Probably! ... We shall see!

Here is a "Link to Flickr" of this plant with leaves ..