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Acer in distress

Moved into my house in October 2014.

Lovely garden with established planted acer (not in pot). Sits in front of fish pond. Approximately 8ft high.

Was absolutely fine last year. This year the Acer is struggling as is the grass at it's base. Over half the tree has brown curled up leaves. However, branches appear healthy.

Any ideas on what is wrong and how to make it happy again?

Thanks

John

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  • Photoimage

  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 37,905

    Hi John. It sounds as if it could be wind damage. When you say 'grass at its base', how close is the grass as trees should have a clear area around them to avoid competition for food and water?

    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
  • Hi Ladybird4.

    Pretty close to the lawn but it has been there for years, as I understand it.

    Basically there if the fish pond. The tree. Then the lawn.

    image

  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 37,905

    Goodness - I see what you mean. It does look rather poorly. I doubt its wind damage looking at your pictures but I can't really hazard a guess as to what it might be. As you said, some of the branches seem fine. I think I would just leave it alone and watch what happens next Spring when then leaves start to open.

    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
  • Joyce21Joyce21 Posts: 15,489

    The surrounding area looks very dry. I would dig up some of the grass round it and hive it a good soak.

    SW Scotland
  • arneilarneil Posts: 313

    Mine likes loads of water

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117

    If it was short of water in spring, that can lead to loss of foliageduring summer and early autumn - earlier than usual.  

    As Ladybird has said, it could do with a bit of tidying round the base though. That will make it easier to feed and water.  image

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Thanks guys fire all the replies . Much appreciated.

    So,  am I best to get rid of all vegetation around the base, add fresh compost, lots of water and wait and see what happens next spring? Is this the right time of year to compost?

    Just don't want it to die, obviously.

  • CloggieCloggie Posts: 1,457

    Might you have weedkilled an area then walked through it?  Happened to my neighbour.  Just wondering if some of those bald patches in the lawn might correspond with where you walk.

    Of course if you're weedkiller free as I am then ignore this suggestion.

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