A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2005 Japanese Maple in trouble

We transplanted a mature Japanese Maple with a 5 foot spread this spring to save it from destruction during renovation. Sadly, the heat has been relentless since and the tree is very stressed. Every few days a small branch of leaves turns brown, dries up and dies with increasing frequency in the past few weeks. We have been watering faithfully. Does anyone have an opinion as to whether it is getting too much water or too little or is it just stressed from the heat? Any suggestions are appreciated. We are new home owners, novice gardeners and would hate to lose this tree.

Thanks, Lee

It is possible to over water, especially since you are so concerned and are watching this tree wither. I would guard against that carefully. Is there any shade to give it a break? That would help. Keep the mulch thick too. The weather has been ridiculously hot and anything planted now is in danger. Provided you left plenty of root and soil, the shock may go on the remainder of this year and you will be fine in the spring.

The leaves of my maple trees [bloodgood] experienced the same thing. During the two-week period in July when the temperature ranged from 93*F to 103*F, the leaves just dried up, turned brown and started falling off. I continued watering to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Two weeks ago, new leaves started out and the trees are now full of red leaves again.

Try to protect the tree as BFVision said from hot sunlight. A 5-ft. canopy probably means that the tree is about 5-9ft. high. A 9-ft. market umbrella placed near the tree might be able to offer some shade from direct sunlight .

Thanks for the help. We'll try your suggestions and let you know how it goes. Thanks again.

Have you tried a bit of fertilizer as well, it might give the tree a little extra boost during tough times?