Green Laceleaf Japanese Maple Tree

Name: Green Laceleaf Japanese Maple Tree
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 10810
Price: 184.65 USD
Availability: InStock

Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Viridis’

Nature Hills Nursery

$184⁶⁵

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In Stock

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

#3 Container 3-4 Feet

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Provide at least 4 to 6 hours of morning sun for the best leaf color. While it loves the sun, these delicate leaves benefit from afternoon shade in hotter climates to prevent the lacy foliage from crisping or scorching at the edges.
Soil: This maple craves rich, well drained soil that stays consistently moist but never soggy. If you have heavy clay, plant it in a raised mound to keep the roots above the water line, or mix in organic compost to improve drainage in sandy spots.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, water your Green Laceleaf deeply twice a week to ensure the root system anchors properly. Once established, it is remarkably resilient, though it requires supplemental soaking during summer dry spells to prevent leaf drop. Inconsistent watering often leads to "tip burn," where the fine ends of the leaves turn brown and brittle.

Pruning Tips

Since this variety is slow growing and naturally graceful, you should only prune in late winter while the tree is still dormant. Focus on removing "dead, damaged, or crossing" branches to maintain an open canopy that allows light to reach the interior. Think of it like thinning out a head of hair; you want to highlight the elegant, weeping structure without stripping away its natural character.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as the buds begin to swell. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers after midsummer, as this encourages soft new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This late season growth is highly susceptible to winter kill and can weaken the overall health of your tree.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

If you are searching for the perfect green Japanese maple to anchor your shade garden, look no further. The Green Laceleaf is the gold standard of the Acer palmatum family, offering a level of texture and elegance that standard upright varieties simply cannot match.

While many gardeners initially hunt for a generic green maple tree, they often fall in love with this variety’s unique, weeping form. Unlike an upright green Japanese maple that grows vertically, this distinct "Laceleaf" (dissectum) cultivar cascades outward and downward, creating a soft, mushroom-shaped mound that serves as a living sculpture in your landscape.

Why This Is the "Green Leaf" Variety You Want The foliage is the true showstopper. This green leaf Japanese maple features deeply cut, feathery leaves that give the canopy an airy, delicate appearance.

Spring: Leaves emerge as a fresh, vibrant lime-green.
Summer: The color deepens to a cool, calming emerald that provides visual relief in hot months.
Autumn: The tree transforms into a spectacular display of golden-yellow and burnt orange, rivaling even the most colorful red maples.

Hardy, Versatile, and Shade-Loving One common misconception is that all Japanese green maples are delicate. In reality, the Green Laceleaf is surprisingly robust. It thrives in part shade, making it the ideal solution for those tricky low-light spots under tall oaks or on the north side of your home. In hotter southern zones, this green variety is often more heat-tolerant than its red counterparts, provided it is shielded from the harsh afternoon sun.

Whether planted in a large patio container or used as a focal point near a water feature, this green Japanese maple tree brings a sense of Zen tranquility to any space. It’s not just a tree; it’s a long-term investment in the beauty of your garden.

Botanical Name

Acer palmatum var. dissectum 'Viridis'
Class
- Magnoliopsida
- Sapindales
Species

palmatum var. dissectum
Cultivar

Viridis
Growing Zones

5-8
Height

8-10 ft
Width

7-9 ft
Sunlight
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color
- Red
- Green
Leaf Color
- Green
- Yellow
- Orange
Fall Color

Red & Yellow
Bloom Period

Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 5-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do deer eat japanese maple?

Japanese maples are generally deer resistant due to their naturally bitter taste and texture. Deer typically avoid these trees, though hungry deer may occasionally browse young shoots during harsh winters. Plant your Green Laceleaf in a protected spot for best results.

Are japanese maple evergreen?

Japanese maples are deciduous trees that lose their leaves each fall, not evergreens. The Green Laceleaf showcases this beautifully, transforming from spring's lime-green to summer's emerald, then autumn's golden-yellow and burnt orange. Shop at Nature Hills for this stunning seasonal display.

How tall and wide does the Green Laceleaf Japanese Maple grow at maturity?

The Green Laceleaf Japanese Maple typically reaches 6-8 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide at maturity, forming a graceful weeping mound. This slow-growing tree takes 10-15 years to reach full size. Plan for adequate spacing since the cascading branches spread wider than the height.

What are the sunlight requirements for Green Laceleaf Japanese Maple—full sun, part shade, or shade?

Green Laceleaf Japanese Maple thrives in part shade and should be protected from harsh afternoon sun. In hotter southern zones, this variety shows better heat tolerance than red maples when given proper shade protection. Plant it under tall trees or on the north side of structures for optimal growth.

What type of soil does Green Laceleaf Japanese Maple prefer, and does it need acidic soil?

Green Laceleaf Japanese Maples prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5-6.5. They tolerate various soil types but struggle in heavy clay or constantly wet conditions. Amend dense soils with compost and ensure good drainage for best results.

How much water does Green Laceleaf Japanese Maple need, and how do I keep the soil evenly moist?

Green Laceleaf Japanese Maples prefer consistently moist, well-draining soil but are surprisingly drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply 1-2 times per week rather than frequent shallow watering. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around the base to retain moisture and keep roots cool.

Can Green Laceleaf Japanese Maple be grown in containers or pots?

Yes, Green Laceleaf Japanese Maple grows beautifully in large patio containers. Its compact, weeping form and slower growth rate make it ideal for pot culture. Use a container at least 24 inches wide and ensure good drainage with quality potting mix.

When is the best time to plant Green Laceleaf Japanese Maple?

Plant Green Laceleaf Japanese Maple in early spring after the last frost or in fall 6-8 weeks before hard freeze. Spring planting allows the tree to establish roots during the growing season, while fall planting takes advantage of cooler temperatures and natural dormancy. Choose a part-shade location protected from harsh afternoon sun.

How do I prune Green Laceleaf Japanese Maple to maintain its weeping shape?

Prune in late fall or winter when dormant to avoid bleeding sap. Remove only dead, crossing, or inward-growing branches that disrupt the natural cascading form. Light selective pruning maintains the weeping mushroom shape better than heavy cutting.