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Acre tree

Alan.gibson60Alan.gibson60 Posts: 1
in Problem solving
When we bought our house 3+ years ago there was a very well established Acer tree in the garden. For 3 years it produced an abundance of beautiful, dark red coloured leaves. This year however, the leaves are very sparse and already falling off. Does anybody have any ideas as to what the problem could be, and any solutions? The tree is approximately 16’ - 18’ high with a spread of 14’ - 15’. (Also, will it recover for next year?)

Thanks. Alan.

Posts

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    Lots of reports here of this happening to all sorts of trees - general concensus is that the combination of droughts last year and an unsually warm spring floowed by more drought and late frosts is most likely the cause.  All you can really do is water deeply - say 5 bucketfuls twice a week, poured slowly over the root area.  It should recover but acers often see some dieback of the thinner twigs and branches after episodes like this.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • KeenOnGreenKeenOnGreen Posts: 1,831
    If you can get hold of it, spread a bag of ericaceous compost around the tree, but don't pile it up against the trunk.  Once a week/fortnight, add some liquid ericaceous feed when you water it.  We do this every year for all of our Acers.  They are very temperamental, so any cossetting you can give them helps.
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