I’m having some trouble with a couple Japanese maples that I thought you folks might be able to help me identify. The first one (pics 1 thru 3) is an approx 4 year old tree that I had in a pot on my deck for about a year and a half that was doing fine. I transplanted it to my yard last fall, it bloomed this spring but prior to that I noticed some mold or fungus appearing on the joints of the branches. The leaves are now out, but don’t seem to be opening up. Granted we have had a very cold drawn out winter, my other maples have opened up while this one appears to have been in this same state for a couple weeks now. I’m wondering if there is a problem with the soil in my yard. Is it worth a shot to dig up an transplant back to a container? Or would it be better to mound it up with new soil at its present location? The other tree (pics 4 & 5) is a 6 year old coral bark maple that was transplanted (not to the main backyard, but a separate planting area) almost two years ago. It was previously planted outdoors at my old residence. This tree seemed to be thriving last year, but this spring I notice much of the upper bark is a black color and there are no leaves there. This black bark on the coral maple appears to have spread to a larger area of the tree. Thanks for your time. Jay
The mould or fungus might be where some little blighter has laid their eggs? Your Coral bark is, unfortunately, dying. It looks to me to be too extensive to be able to remove the affected parts? If it is possible, you can do so and you might get another year from the plant Sorry about my negative response
Try Phyton-27 ...But i think the 2nd tree with the black twigs and trunk has Verticillium Wilt.. but maybe the copper will help but i doubt it. Cut one of the branches off of 2nd tree and look for the black ring in the trunk..if present destroy the 2nd tree. The copper should take care of the fungus on 1st tree.
