Japanese Maple and Holly-tone - Ask Extension
I mistakenly used Hollytone on my Japanese Maple that I transplanted last fall. Is there anything I can do to correct my mistake?
Knowledgebase
Japanese Maple and Holly-tone #926366
Asked March 20, 2026, 11:00 AM EDT
I mistakenly used Hollytone on my Japanese Maple that I transplanted last fall. Is there anything I can do to correct my mistake?
Macon County Illinois
Expert Response
Hello Brenda,
As long as you were using recommended rates, I don't think it will be a problem. Holly-Tone does contain a relatively high percentage by weight of elemental sulfur, which will lower soil pH over time. Slightly acidic soil is tolerated well by most plants and preferred by some. In fact, Japanese maple also prefers a slightly acidic soil, so I think you should be just fine.
https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/tree_fact_sheets/acepala.pdf
Of course, soils can become too acidic with overuse of elemental sulfur, so I wouldn't push it too far. You can take soil samples and get it tested to know what your soil pH is, which will help make sure you don't over acidify your soil. If soil is too acidic, ag lime or pelletized lime can be used to raise soil pH.
https://extension.illinois.edu/soil/soil-testing
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any follow-up questions.
Best,
Talon Becker
Illinois Extension
As long as you were using recommended rates, I don't think it will be a problem. Holly-Tone does contain a relatively high percentage by weight of elemental sulfur, which will lower soil pH over time. Slightly acidic soil is tolerated well by most plants and preferred by some. In fact, Japanese maple also prefers a slightly acidic soil, so I think you should be just fine.
https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/tree_fact_sheets/acepala.pdf
Of course, soils can become too acidic with overuse of elemental sulfur, so I wouldn't push it too far. You can take soil samples and get it tested to know what your soil pH is, which will help make sure you don't over acidify your soil. If soil is too acidic, ag lime or pelletized lime can be used to raise soil pH.
https://extension.illinois.edu/soil/soil-testing
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any follow-up questions.
Best,
Talon Becker
Illinois Extension
Thank you & I’ll hope for the best!
On 03/20/2026 10:30 AM CDT Ask Extension wrote:
