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How to save my acer

e.rees9e.rees9 Posts: 3
in Problem solving
Earlier this year, I noticed little black flies on my acer. I did everything I could to get rid of them but it was too late and all the leaves have no died. Is there anyway to save this tree? It's my favourite feature of the garden. The healthy looking photo was taken last year. Help please! 

Posts

  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    First you need to see if it's still alive. Scratch a little bark off with your fingernail. If it's green underneath, it's alive. Brown, dead.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    The aphids will have nothing to do with the loss of all leaves, it looks like it got really dry. Probably not a great idea to plant an acer by a bamboo, can't imagine it would enjoy the proximity and the more vigorous root system encroaching its space. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    A raised bed will drain more quickly too, and Acers don't like getting dried out. Wind also dries them out. 
    The bamboo will be taking all the available moisture too. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • e.rees9e.rees9 Posts: 3
    Thanks for your responses everyone. So if it’s still alive, do I move it out immediately? Or do I leave it until it’s dormant? 
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited July 2021
    If the leaves are brown it’s as dormant as it can be  … if not already dead. 

    What sort of compost is in that raised bed?
    How often has it been watered and how much?

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • e.rees9e.rees9 Posts: 3
    I’ve just checked and it’s brown. I’m really disappointed as it was the most beautiful tree. Thank you all for your help and advice 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    If you decide to get another one, and want it in the same location, remove the soil, and put in a solid physical barrier [front to back] the full depth of the bed, to contain the bamboo. Then you effectively have two separate beds, and can give the Acer proper attention re good soil, water and food, without the bamboo hogging it all. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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