Japanese Maple

kpdoggGtvNkvse · August 2021

Hello. I live in southeast Michigan and am trying to find out what’s happening to my Japanese Maple. Leaves started browning and dying on the last month. It has been hot and humid here (in the 90s) but if gets watered sufficiently with our sprinkler system (25 minutes in the am 5 days per week). I have checked and see no sign of aphids or any other pest. Any ideas to help correct this?

Silver surfer · August 2021

Acers are far happier in light shade.
They hate to be hot.
They hate wind.
They like to be kept cool and moist at the roots.

Suggest you do not sprinkle the whole tree in the morning.
Water on leaves plus hot sun can cause a lot of damage.
Instead just concentrate the water where it is needed ..ie on the ground round the roots...a good soaking.
Cover the roots with composted bark ..this will stop the roots drying out and help to keep them cool.
https://www.google.com/search?q=+bad+bark+mulch+volcano&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwjt6tfP4NbyAhVSKxoKHS4oCxMQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=+bad+bark+mulch+volcano&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQDFDkzwJYndsCYKLsAmgAcAB4AIABZ4gB5wOSAQMzLjKYAQCgAQGqAQtnd3Mtd2l6LWltZ8ABAQ&sclient=img&ei=o8MrYa2NINLWaK7QrJgB&bih=595&biw=1280&client=firefox-b-d#imgrc=-0aN3dinAM6v8M

Maybe in the fall you could move it to somewhere else where it will be happy.

Fairygirl · August 2021

I would agree with everything @Silver surfer says. The watering in particular. Sprinklers aren't suitable. If you can arrange your sprinkler to be directed at the base, or better still - just a hosepipe with a head that can just gently trickle the water, that will make a difference.

The nearby lawn will also be competing with it for moisture.

Japanese Maple

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