How do you plant Twombley's Red Japanese Maple?

We suggest when planting your newly purchased Twombley's Red Japanese Maple plants that you dig a hole twice as wide as the root system but not deeper. Depending on the quality of your existing soil you may need to add a locally sourced compost or topsoil to the back-fill soil. We do not recommend using straight topsoil or compost as a back-fill soil because more times than not these products will retain entirely to much moisture and will cause the root system to rot. Adding compost or topsoil will help the young feeder roots to spread through the loose, nutrient rich soil, much easier than if you used solely the existing soil which more times than not will be hard and compacted. The most common cause of plant death after transplanting is planting the new plant to deep. That is why we do not recommend planting in a hole any deeper than the soil line of the plant in the pot. A good rule is that you should still be able to see the soil the plant was grown in after back-filling the hole.

How should I water my Twombley's Red Japanese Maple?

After back filling and lightly compacting the 50/50 mix of existing soil and compost give the Twombley's Red Japanese Maple a slow, good deep watering. Most of the water you put on the plant at first will run away from the plant until the soil is soaked. A general rule of thumb is to count to 5 for every one gallon of pot size. For example a one gallon pot would be watered until you count to 5 a three gallon pot would be 15 and so on. Check the plant daily for the first week or so and then every other day there after. Water using the counting method for the first few weeks.

What type of mulch should I use with a Twombley's Red Sentinel Japanese Maple?

We highly recommend that you mulch your Twombley's Red Sentinel Japanese Maple with either a ground hardwood mulch or a ground cypress mulch depending on your local availability. Any type of mulch will do but cypress or hardwood mulch will be of a higher quality and provide better nutrition overall as they breakdown. Mulching helps to keep weeds away which will compete with your new investment for water and nutrients. A 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch is sufficient but remember to take care not to cover any part of the stem of the plant with mulch. Its better to leave a one inch gap of space between the mulch and the stem or trunk of the plant.

How should I prune my Twombley's Red Sentinel Japanese Maple?

Japanese maples such as Twombley's Red Sentinel Japanese Maple are not especially particular as to when they are pruned; however, spring is generally not a good time as new growth and sap are beginning to develop. Winter and summer are commonly accepted as good times to prune. The winter is probably the best time as it is easy to see the branches and growing structure of the tree. Summer, on the other hand, allows for a more accurate gauge of which branches need to be thinned. It is important to be careful of the temperature when pruning in the summer, however. Removing thicker areas of foliage can reveal previously shaded areas and invite scalding by the sun. Pruning the upright Japanese maple such as Bloodgood Japanese Maples involves four main steps. The first is to prune off lower limbs that crowd other low-growing shrubs or possibly impede a walkway. Next, prune off dead wood — that is, any dead twigs or brittle branches that no longer grow foliage. The third step is to separate the tree into layers. Remove branches that intrude into the layers above and below them. The final step is to evenly thin the branches. Remove some small lateral branches and keep others for an overall thinned out look. The ideal appearance is to have fewer branches that fill all the empty spaces. Laceleaf Japanese maples are slightly more complicated than their upright cousins. Gardeners often fall into two camps with these trees. The first camp refuses to prune the trees at all, resulting in a great ball of foliage. Gardeners belonging to the second group tend to prune too much and end up with very little. The truth falls somewhere in between. It is important to preserve this tree’s natural harmony and facilitate a shell-like growth. Start with pruning dead wood and cutting back any dragging or low branches. Avoid pruning thicker branches that are more than half the diameter of the trunk. Remove branches that do not conform to the aesthetic appearance of the tree. Branches that do not curve or divide can be pruned. As with the upright trees, separate the layers and remove branches that do not naturally follow the pattern. Thin the lace leaf trees similarly to the upright trees. The final step is to create a veiled top layer; a curtain that shields the rest of the foliage but has a uniform look is ideal. It is best to prune Bloodgood Japanese Maple in the late spring or early summer when temperatures are below 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

twombleys red sentinel japanese maple tree grows in a tall columnar habit

Images Depict Mature Plants

Twombly's Red Sentinel Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum 'Twombly's Red Sentinel'

Twombly's Red Sentinel Japanese Maple is a unique, columnar tree with rich red foliage that adds vertical interest and vibrant color to compact landscapes. Ideal for small gardens, entryways, and containers, this slow-growing Japanese maple serves as a striking specimen tree or elegant accent in modern and traditional garden designs.

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Twombly's Sentinel Japanese Maple for Sale Online

Twombly’s Red Sentinel Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Twombly’s Red Sentinel') is a striking, upright, columnar tree known for its vibrant red foliage and narrow growth habit. Unique among Japanese maples, this cultivar stands out with its deep burgundy leaves that hold their rich color from spring through fall. Its tall, slender form—reaching 10 to 15 feet high and just 4 to 6 feet wide—makes it an exceptional choice for tight spaces, vertical accents, and small garden designs where height is desired without sacrificing ground space.

Perfect for modern landscapes, urban courtyards, and ornamental borders, Twombly’s Red Sentinel Japanese Maple thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Its low-maintenance nature and architectural silhouette make it ideal as a focal point in mixed garden beds or as an eye-catching specimen in large containers. In autumn, its red foliage deepens to a brilliant scarlet, offering four-season beauty that enhances patios, walkways, and foundation plantings.

Hardy in USDA Zones 5–9, this compact and elegant Japanese maple grows slowly, requiring minimal pruning to maintain its sculptural shape. Twombly’s Red Sentinel is also deer resistant and adapts well to sheltered sites, adding vertical interest and rich color to any landscape. Whether used to frame an entryway or add texture to a mixed shrub border, this distinctive tree delivers refined beauty and year-round appeal in even the smallest spaces.

Growzone: 5-8

Twombly's Red Sentinel Japanese Maple Hardiness Zones 5-8

Hardiness Zone:	5-9
Mature Height:	10 to 15 Feet
Mature Width:	4 to 6 Feet
Classification:	Small tree
Sunlight:	Full sun to part shade
Habit:	Deciduous, densely branched
Foliage:	Burgundy-red foliage that turns brilliant scarlet in fall
Soil Condition:	Any well-drained soil
Water Require:	Water well until established
Uses:	Extremely attractive when used as a focal point or a specimen planting

How to Care for Twombly's Red Sentinel Japanese Maple

Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Twombly's Red Sentinel Japanese Maple for years to come!

How do you plant Twombly's Red Sentinel Japanese Maple?

Planting Twombly’s Red Sentinel Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Twombly’s Red Sentinel') begins with selecting the right location—this unique, columnar Japanese maple thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers a sheltered site with protection from harsh afternoon sun and strong winds. Choose a spot with well-drained, slightly acidic soil, and avoid areas prone to standing water. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Gently remove the maple from its container, loosen the roots, and place it in the hole so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with native soil mixed with compost and water deeply to help settle the roots. After planting, apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree to help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Be sure to keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. During the first growing season, water regularly to establish a strong root system. Twombly’s Red Sentinel Japanese Maple is a low-maintenance, upright ornamental tree that adds bold red foliage and vertical structure to patios, entryways, foundation plantings, and narrow garden beds. With proper planting and care, this stunning maple delivers lasting beauty and architectural interest to any landscape.

How should I water my Twombly's Red Sentinel Japanese Maple?

Watering Twombly’s Red Sentinel Japanese Maple properly is key to establishing healthy roots and maintaining its vibrant red foliage. During the first growing season, water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Focus on watering at the base of the tree to ensure moisture reaches the root zone while minimizing the risk of fungal issues from wet foliage. Using a slow trickle or drip irrigation system allows water to penetrate deeply, encouraging a strong, drought-tolerant root system. Once established, Twombly’s Red Sentinel Japanese Maple is moderately drought tolerant but still benefits from consistent watering during dry spells or extreme heat, especially when planted in full sun. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree to help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature, being careful to keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk. Container-grown specimens may require more frequent watering due to faster soil drying. With proper watering, this elegant, upright maple will flourish, providing rich seasonal color and a graceful columnar presence in your landscape.

How should I fertilize my Twombly's Sentinel Japanese Maple?

Feeding your plants is probably the single most forgotten part of growing healthy long lasting plants. Maintaining a constant low level of fertility will keep your trees healthy throughout the year. Applying high levels of nitrogen (N) is not recommended. Avoid using high N lawn fertilizer on Japanese maples. Japanese maples look best and develop thicker stems when allowed to grow at a slower speed. Applying high amounts of nitrogen will cause excessively fast growth that will weaken the plant. Weak branches can lead to damage if you are located where icing during winter is a problem. Fertilizing your Japanese maple with the proper type of fertilizer should be done either in late winter while the ground is still cold, or after the last freeze in spring. I recommend using a slow or controlled release type fertilizer.

How and When should I Prune my Twombly's Red Sentinel Japanese Maple?

Pruning Twombly’s Red Sentinel Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Twombly’s Red Sentinel') should be done with care to maintain its naturally upright, columnar form and vibrant red foliage. The best time to prune is in late winter to early spring while the tree is still dormant, before new growth begins. Start by removing any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and overall health. Light shaping can be done to refine the tree’s silhouette, but avoid excessive pruning, as Japanese maples are slow growers and their form is a key feature. If needed, light summer pruning can be performed in mid- to late summer to correct shape or remove fast-growing vertical shoots that may distort the tree’s narrow profile. Always use sharp, clean tools to make precise cuts just above a node or branch collar. Avoid pruning in early spring during leaf emergence, as sap flow is high and cuts may bleed. With minimal, well-timed pruning, Twombly’s Red Sentinel will retain its elegant vertical habit, deliver rich color through the seasons, and serve as a standout feature in containers, entryways, or narrow landscape beds.