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Unhappy Acer
Ellen36
Posts: 4
Can anyone tell me what the matter is with my Acer? It is in a shady position and was planted about 6 months ago. All the original leaves are dying around the edges but there is new growth that looks ok.
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How old is the acer? They prefer dappled shade. What soil mix are you using? Does it have good drainage? Is it in a pot or the ground?
Thanks for your response, sorry thought I'd posted a picture!
Its in a full shade, fairy sheltered area in a new build garden so didn't have great soil to start with. We did use a lot of compost to try and help it when planting.
The drainage isn't great, should I look at moving it to a pot?
Thanks
Last edited: 01 August 2017 08:09:52
My thoughts.......
I think its too close to that wall. It will grow and appear lopsided and very odd. I would move it to give plenty of space all around it if possible.
looks like windburn to me, is it planted in a potential wind tunnel. Between two buildings. Think about the wind direction in relation to which way the gap between you and your neighbour is facing at each open end. Is the tunnel facing SW? Does it get draughty where it is on a breezy day?
Ellen36, it's probably much drier than you imagine, right next to that wall and, as others have said, it may be too draughty as well.
I have two growing successfully in pots on the west facing side of my house and they are also sheltered by the side of the conservatory. They don't get a lot of sun but it's bright there. And of course, I have to keep them watered.
The crispy leaf-tips are likely due to wind damage as CC says above.
Acers are woodland trees and like dappled shade. If yours gets no sun whatsoever, it won't thrive, but may survive. Also as said above the area at the base of a wall is likely to be dry unless it faces the prevailing wind and rain.
Billericay - Essex
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Into a pot Ellen. Maybe wait until late autumn early winterr when all the leaves are shed and it is resting. The chemicals from the brickwork will do it no good at all. Rain hitting that wall will cause leeching into the soil. Some plants are not fussy but Acers are.
Definitely wind or sun scorch. Or both!
It looks young. Treat it to two parts of John Innes No.2, 1 part sharp sand and a good handful of sharp grit to help with drainage. They enjoy being moist. If you have any ericaceous soil add some of that because they like it on the acid side.
Make sure to give it a good soaking when you move it into a pot.
Oh...and make sure the pot doesn't touch the ground. Use whatever you want to keep a space between the base and the ground to prevent waterlogging. A handful of pebbles in the bottom of the pot will stop it sitting in water.
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