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Planting a Japanese maple near the coast. Bad idea??

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Question

I just saw a picture of a Japanese Maple Tree Orangeola Weeping Dissectum and fell in love with it. I live at Linda Mar in Pacifica, 1 mile east from the beach. I would like to put it in a large pot on my west facing deck. Is this a good idea? Thank you.
Juanita
Pacifica

Answer

Japanese Maples are notorious for burning anywhere near the coast. Western exposure to salt-laden ocean breezes will most likely result in an under-performing, brown-leafed disappointment. Take a look around the neighborhood to see if any are growing. If so, and they look O.K., you might try one as long as you can simulate the exposure (east, north-east, etc.).

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