About one week ago my wife and I planted a well established red leaf Japanese maple. Since then the leaves are browning, curling and dryout out. I run a sprinkler for about 45 minutes on alternating days plus did a ten minute deep watering six days after it was planted. I think I may have over watered, but I'm not sure. What are your suggestions ? Also how do you care for these trees going forward ?
is over water !the maple not like water on leaves! water around the trunk 3/4 time for week use pine bark around the trunk ,for more see in FAQ up page "how plant maple" is an interesting page!!! alex66
Where is Nassau County? USA My Rule one is never plant a nice tree unless the soil temperature is below 50 degrees and I know where I am on the map. Alex is right-on the money.
If it was just brought into the area maybe your site conditions are too hot for it, hot afternoon sun and/or hot soil having fried it. These are also prone to pathogenic infestations that make them blight off in the manner described, perhaps it was under attack when you bought it and then showed what was up after you got it there. Many questions about dieback of Japanese maples on gardening web sites, try searching this one for additional discussion. These trees are also touchy about impeded drainage and somewhat sensitive to mineral salts in irrigation water, if you are in an area with soils derived from marine materials, such as corals or otherwise high in mineral content perhaps your new plant was damaged by this. Watering the foliage during the day, however, isn't something that will cause it to shrivel (as in burning the foliage). Where a pathogen is present that may be encouraged by the tops of the plants being dampened and remaining that way for some time, especially overnight or during chilly weather, that could also cause some deterioration to develop.
Yea Salts are bad thats why I use hydroponic fertilizers, they hate ammonia use a different type of Nitrogen I am not saying fertilize your tree on the other hand. NO Soil Pathos below 50 degrees.
