I've had a Japanese Maple growing in a pot for a number of years. This year, following our hideous winter, it has failed to leaf out. There are tiny red nubs at the ends of most branches, but some branches seem to be turning black. Scratching the bark does show green underneath. Is it still alive? Would pruning encourage it to leaf out? Or is this the end for it? Thanks.
I would give it more time to leaf out. I would not prune it or stress it in any other ways. The red nubs (one hopes) are terminal buds but the blackening is worrisome. I have had some late leafing in my yard this year because of it being a cool Spring - I had a magnolia leaf so late I could NOT believe it was OK until it showed me it was OK - it was 2 months late. Scratching back to cambium needs to show bright green not a dullish green. Is there any wizening on the more slender twigs? Are the smaller twigs flexible, not brittle? Is the blackening coming down the tree or is there blackening at the bottom of the trunk? Let the tree speak for itself - you might lose it or you might well be surprised by its tenacity. Good luck.
Some twigs are still flexible, others are not. There is no blackening on the trunk - only on the ends of a few branches. I'll try to be patient and see what happens. Thanks for the feedback. Cheers.
As long as the whole plant doesn't turn black, you're probably okay. If the primary buds have been damaged by the cold, then you might have to wait a little while for the secondary buds to leaf out. The best thing to do is probably: nothing. Just provide normal care, and let the plant do its thing.
I would not trim them yet though it wouldn't be a capital crime if you cut just the black off. The reason I would leave them alone is to see how far up the branches (that have the blackened tips) new red buds develop - in other words let the tree itself tell you what is alive and what is not. I know the blackened tips probably bother you and look a bit unsightly but like a plant that has been blasted by frost, cut nothing until the plant speaks in the Spring. Just my thoughts & others might well disagree. From your 3rd post above, my sense is that your tree will be OK. Now, from my lips to God's ears. Good luck.
