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Ask a Gardening QuestionGardening Questions & Answers: Plant ProblemsAcer leaves and stems dying in Se …

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Acer leaves and stems dying in September

#1 · 17th September 2022, 8:33 am

Problem:I noticed an established Acer with 3 of its branches having dead leaves, and oddly only half of each branch was dead.

Thoughts: I expected leaf scorch around the top of the tree but this had not occurred, perhaps something else is going on. After the dry conditions we've had I thought perhaps the tree is merely shedding or shutting down some of its growth to preserve the rest.

Solution: pruned out the dead.

Any additional thoughts or advice on this would be great. Thank you ninjas.

Sorry, no photo.

#2 · 17th September 2022, 9:05 am

Hi Dazzling!

That kind of Acer damage sounds like either wind burn/ exposure or a sudden dry spell in my experience.

You’ve done the right thing pruning out any dead wood. It’s not going to grow back.

Without a photo it is tricky but check the position Ie is the Acer in a wind tunnel if not then it sounds like it maybe the drought. Give it a heavy mulch of compost to give it a boost and retain some moisture.

Happy gardening!

Lee