Protection from winter damage 3. 1. Prune away frost-damaged stems and leaves in the spring. Then you can help the tree recover and also know what to say to protect it from the saws and axes of impatient, uninformed others. Japanese Maple Damage. Applying more than one ounce of a fertilizer containing 20 percent soluble nitrogen to a tree with a branch spread of 3 feet may stimulate excessive shoot growth, making pruning more challenging. The following year, about 30 percent of the remaining growth is removed. Many landscapes are built around a Japanese maple, so when they're damaged, even non-gardeners take note. Therefore, cover a small Japanese maple overnight to shield it from excess cold. Water your Japanese maple tree evenly and deeply once every week when you receive little or no rainfall. Light-colored tree wraps can be used in the winter to help reflect the light off of the bark, reducing the warming of the cells and potential damage. Applying a slow-release, balanced fertilizer is appropriate if the soil has low fertility, the tree has not received fertilizer for several years, or the results of a soil test suggest it will encourage moderate, healthy growth. You might want to try pruning off any dead branches and making sure that the tree has enought water. Jack Frost maple trees are crosses between Japanese maples (Acer palmatum) and Korean maples (Acer pseudosieboldianum). Mulching and careful irrigation over the next several years to keep the root zone uniformly moist (not wet) may help pull damaged plants … Zones for hardiness 3. Potted tree without leaves 2. All Rights Reserved. That is accomplished by letting the tree leaf out then cutting all the leaves off. Soil: Japanese maples are fairly adaptive, but prefer moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils that contain organic matter. Japanese maples can be attacked by borers. Oftentimes, it may take a few days for damage to become evident, and is usually characterized by browning of new growth, particularly leaves and needles. Some Japanese maples are grafted onto a different rootstock (for hardiness or for size) so I suspect the suckers are coming from the rootstock, which would be entirely different than the type of maple you purchased. I have a well established (approx 30 year old) Japanese maple. To plant in-ground or in containers? These Jack Frost maple trees thrive in USDA zone 4 in temperatures down to -30 degrees Fahrenheit (-34 C.). Howard County Maryland. They repeat until the tree grows the desired sized leaves (every succession of leaves is smaller). This is why severe frosts cause problems for fruit tree owners. I do not think your tree was damaged (at least by this freeze), but the early freeze hit before the Japanese maple had completed its life cycle and dropped leaves—so you missed the fall color too. If a tree that's important to you lost some or all of its leaves to frost this spring, read on. A freeze-damaged Japanese maple will generally produce excessive, weak and often upright new shoots giving the plant an unattractive, crowded appearance. You can also resort to fungicides (both natural and chemical) to help fight it. Feed your Japanese maple tree once each year in the spring with a well-balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 NPK (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium). I'd recommend pruning the suckers off so they cannot overtake the grafted top of your tree. Inspect the stem of your tree looking for tiny holes and saw dust. Sometimes the damage is the result of heavy snow fall, sometimes an animal, large dog, horse pony, donkey whatever it might be, decides to eat part of a tree, or small trees are often physically damaged by kids cars or other means. Don’t expect much to change fast. Inspect your Japanese maple tree regularly for aphid infestations by looking for the insects themselves, as well as distortion of the tree’s leaves and new-growth shoots. Protection from critters 4. In about a month dead foliage will be gone and you should see new growth. Location, Location, Location 1. Mentioned below are a few tips on Japanese maple tree care in different seasons. Water the tree during the growing season, and then water only once a month as needed in the fall. The Japanese red maple is a small but fast-growing tree which … Japanese maples cultivated in a container are often best protected if brought into a garage or other shelter. Prune away any damaged, diseased or dead wood in the winter, when the leaves have fallen from the tree, and remove any crowded stems or small branches. Cover the ground around the tree, but not touching the trunk, with an additional 2 … But that kind of damage should be temporary. Most Japanese maple varieties can withstand minimum annual temperatures as cold as minus 15 to minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit, making them suitable for landscapes located in a wide range of climates. Once the tree is in the ground, fill the hole with soil and tamp lightly. Proper mulching, watering and fertilizing can ensure the tree heals well. Watch out for botrytis, a fungal disease that can cause brown spots on your tree’s leaves that turn into a furry grayish mold. The most popular among them are Emperor, Butterfly, Burgundy Lace, Red Pygmy, Garnet and Tamukeyama. Protection, Protection, Protection 1. Frost damage that occurs in late winter or early spring, also known as late frost damage, is characterized by damage to newly emerging shoots and leaves following freezing temperatures. Heavy snow is often the culprit when your slender maple tree suffers broken branches, but winter damage of Japanese maple can be caused by various aspects of the cold season. Feed your Japanese maple tree once each year in the spring with a well-balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 NPK (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium). A new flush of growth usually occurs following fertilization, so if a nitrogen supplement is applied in late fall it will stimulate vulnerable new growth in winter or early spring. Your tree will be fine - losing leaves willl not harm it. You can let the mildew sit, and it may resolves itself. The leaves are tiny to match the tree. Freeze damage appears on Japanese maples as a shriveling and browning or blackening of foliage. These small insects drill into the stem of a tree and if the infestation is severe, serious damage can be done to the tree. Protect your Japanese maple tree from late spring frosts. Protect your Japanese maple tree from late spring frosts. Tips on Japanese maple tree care in different seasons Place the end of the material up against the tree near the wound and hold it in place as you, or a helper, pulls the rest of the material around the tree and overlaps the end. The growers continue to let the tree grow leaves and then they cut them off. A freeze-damaged Japanese maple will generally produce excessive, weak and often upright new shoots giving the plant an unattractive, crowded appearance. Three questions: 1. Is there a reasonable chance that the tree can recover from this? Thank you. Ensure that the compost layer covers the canopy area on the ground and is about 1 to 2 inches away from the trunk. Major branch dieback leaves remaining branches and the trunk exposed to greater sunlight, leaving them vulnerable to sunscald and creating injured bark areas that certain pests and fungal pathogens can penetrate. University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program: Maple—Acer spp. The only thing you can do to promote growth on a Japanese maple is to make the tree happy. Next, apply 3 to 4 inches of mulch around your Japanese maple tree, but not right up against the trunk—that invites pests such as voles to gnaw at it. What can I do to help it? Most Japanese maple varieties can withstand minimum annual temperatures as cold as minus 15 to minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit, making them suitable for landscapes located in a wide range of climates. Damage to our favorite trees and shrubs can happen. Once around the tree once, and wrapped around its own end, the material will stay in place as you go around the tree … Potted tree with leaves 4. Now it looks droopy and the leaves are yellow red. My Japanese maple got hit by a hard frost. Numerous cultivars offer reddish foliage and make excellent landscape or patio specimens. If the sucker is larger than the grafted tree, cutting it off may kill the whole plant, but your choices are either to risk killing the whole plant in hopes that the tree will survive and if it survives it will be the pretty Japanese maple. General location 2. Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) is a sturdy little ornamental tree, popular for its graceful shape, deep fall color and delicate, lace-like leaves. Over 1,000 varieties of this tree are in existence, each one distinct by its leaf variation. Have you ever looked at bonsai JMs? The leaves are drying up and turning brown. The temp. Recommend a light feeding with a fertilizer having a low N-P-K value such as 3-4-5. Reply. Covering Basics................according to one website When there is a threat of frost, cover your plants before sunset. The tree should receive about an inch of water weekly through rainfall plus supplemental irrigation, if needed. “The loss of the second set of new leaves would indicate a lack of sufficient energy reserves in the tree. If frost is anticipated, draping a sheet or blanket over the tree so that it touches the ground may help trap heat close to the tree. Typically, those are only resorted to on commercial plants and bushes like roses and wheat. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Exposed tender new growth is susceptible to frost and freeze damage in spring. Japanese maples (Acer palmatum) are prized across U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 8 for unique, delicate-looking foliage and attractive growth habits. Purdue University: Freeze Damage to Plants, Pruning a Tree That's Split at the Bottom. × View full size in a new window. However, Japanese maples are quite sensitive to cold temperatures, especially if a late-season cold event occurs after the tree has begun to produce vulnerable new growth for the year. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. This tree means a lot to me and my family, it is only two years old. Occasionally, Japanese maples are troubled by aphids, scale or powdery mildew, but these are easily treated and seldom kill the tree. Or leaving the sucker and the pretty Japanese maple part will eventually die off. I have one that did the same thing this year—and last year. Placing thin barked trees out in the open landscape can increase the likelihood of frost cracks and sun scald. Japanese red maples are popular trees in landscaping. Wrap as breathable a material as possible around the plants — like burlap, linen, newspaper, or old bed sheets — then secure it against the wind with heavy rocks or clothespins. Look out for the following signs; Tender young growth may be damaged by spring frosts, causing scorching and pale brown patches to appear between the leaf veins. Japanese maples like loose soil that drains well. Serious problems like wood rot, leaf scorch and leaf scorch are often fatal unless immediately addressed. If frost is anticipated, draping a sheet or blanket over the tree so that it touches the ground may help trap heat close to the tree. If you have aphids on your tree, spray the tree with an insecticidal soap according to the directions on the label. I covered it but I think it was too late. If your tree is struggling I’d guess that the soil is too compacted or worse yet, too damp. It may take three to five years to restore a freeze-damaged Japanese maple to its desired form. Are you sure the tree didn’t get hit with a heavy frost? Bare-root tree with leaves 2. Bare-root tree without leaves 3. Angela Ryczkowski is a professional writer who has served as a greenhouse manager and certified wildland firefighter. Prune away any damaged, diseased or dead wood in the winter, when the leaves have fallen from the tree, and remove any crowded stems or small branches. Trees may not produce fruit after a frost, causing a losss of money Leaves might take a while to grow back, but they will. Protection from sun damage 2. I did some pruning of dead branches on that limb, before realizing that it was basically the entire limb that didn't leaf out. If it does survive, what can I do to prevent this from happening next year? Treat botrytis disease by avoiding over-watering the tree, pruning away and burning any infected stems or leaves, and spraying the tree with a copper-based fungicide, such as a Bordeaux mixture. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Can You Save Your Orange Trees When a Freeze Comes? If the temperatures are low enough and endure for long enough, even a fabric covering can't prevent some leaf loss or twig damage. got in the mid 20’s. Not only do they create a stunning contrast with their vibrant red leaves, but also are they an easy tree to care for, requiring little maintenance. Many of mine got frosted just a few days ago and look really bad. Prune your Japanese maple once every two or three years to thin out overcrowded branches. Location: Japanese maples prefer to be in locations protected from strong winds and spring frosts. Container growing 1. I noticed that one major limb didn't have many leaves this season. Not much you can do, maybe shade the tree for a week or so and keep it damp and cool unless it’s too large for that. If frost and freeze damage is minor the best solution is to wait and see if the plant grows out of the damage. Japanese maples grow best in fairly acidic soils, so you can amend your soil if needed with pine bark mulch when you’re planting the tree. All of this new growth is not trimmed off at once. Spread a 1-inch layer of organic compost around the base of the Japanese maple in early spring. Prune away any damaged, diseased or dead wood in the winter, when the leaves have fallen from the tree, and remove any crowded stems or small branches. They were a nice deep red. If I scratch a branch it is green. One of the most important elements of caring for your Japanese maple tree is selecting the right planting location. 3. Maple tree frost damage causes leaf edges to turn brown or crinkle, but the tree stays strong for the most part. Planting the tree in a sheltered location or near a brick wall or patio where radiant heat can warm it offers some protection. 1. Similarly, if maple leaves were still just buds, the tree should be fine. Although it is difficult to protect Japanese maples from cold temperatures in many cases, some site selection and care techniques can shelter the tree, especially if it is a smaller specimen. They were developed to be extremely cold hardy. Maples should have no problem with a second sprout when temperatures level out. Asked May 26, 2015, 6:25 PM EDT . You can stake your young Japanese maple tree during the first two or three years to help it grow and protect it from winds. If a damaged tree has not been fertilized for several years, use a slow release fertilizer at a low rate to maintain reasonable vigor. 2. Improper or poorly-timed application of fertilizer can also lead to freeze damage on the Japanese maple. Generally, a freeze-damaged Japanese maple will begin to produce new growth from surviving branches within a few weeks, though this new growth is often weak and spindly. Linda says. Japanese maples grow best in fairly acidic soils, so you can amend your soil if needed with pine bark mulch when you’re planting the tree. Many Japanese maples retained their foliage last year as well until the new growth pushed off the remaining leaves. If your Japanese maple had only buds when hit by frost, they should be OK. In addition to fertilization and limited pruning, gardeners should look at protecting the crown of their maple trees, especially the lace leaf varieties. Our Japanese maple never lost all its leaves before the winter of 2019. Receiving your Japanese maple tree 1. A 3-inch layer of mulch spread over the root zone will greatly benefit the injured tree by regulating soil temperature and conserving soil moisture. Damage, only shoots growing completely vertically or toward the center of the Japanese maple got hit frost... Maples ( Acer palmatum ) and Korean maples ( Acer pseudosieboldianum ) making sure that the tree stays for. 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Trees are crosses between Japanese maples cultivated in a container are often best protected if brought into a or... Leaves and then water only once a month as needed in the spring with a having... New growth pushed off the remaining leaves Emperor, Butterfly, Burgundy Lace, red Pygmy, Garnet and.! Too compacted or worse yet, too damp and wheat get hit with a heavy frost die as well inch! Lead to freeze damage in spring and is about 1 to 2 inches away from the tree stays strong the... Rainfall plus supplemental irrigation, if maple leaves were still just buds, the tree, but prefer,. This is why severe frosts cause problems for fruit tree owners and saw dust Japanese maples as greenhouse. And leaf scorch and leaf scorch and leaf scorch and leaf scorch leaf.: Japanese maples ( Acer pseudosieboldianum ) and freeze damage on the Japanese maple of! Following damage, only shoots growing completely vertically or toward the center the... Right planting location before the winter because this can damage its root system non-gardeners... Pest Management Program: Maple—Acer spp and the leaves off touching the trunk to the on! Integrated Pest Management Program: Maple—Acer spp to on commercial plants and bushes like roses and.... Loss of the tree and branch dieback can also lead to freeze damage to our favorite and. Or frost cloth can prevent brief subfreezing temperatures from killing the new foliage stressing. Dead foliage will be gone and you should see new growth is trimmed!