Any Japanese Maple (tree) experts Thread #2

[CurlyDave]

If you have the full latin name for the tree, look it up on line.

All Japanese Maples are not the same. DW and I recently bought a Japanese Maple for a sunny, windy location. It soon withered and seemed to be dying. We looked it up and that particular one likes "dappled sunlight". Put it back in the pot and bought a different one (not as pretty by a long shot) that likes sun and wind, and it is now doing great.

The original will go into a different location in a month or so.

 

[Scooby074]

Spoke to the tree expert today.

The tree variety is Bloodgood (Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' ). It should do well in full and part sun. FPS009/FP009: Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' Bloodgood Japanese Maple


She thinks I have aphids. She wanted me to uncurl the leaves and look for black spots, like pepper. I got them!

I applied some of this stuff: Safer® Brand 3-in-1 Garden Spray - 24oz RTU which is supposed to take care of it.

The idea that Im creating a clay bowl and flooding the roots is interesting. I did plant the tree slightly raised from the surrounding soil. Im not sure if water is collecting under the tree? At the bottom of the hole Id describe it as "rocky clay"

Ill wait and see if the tree responds to the Safers. Digging it up right now might very well kill it.

If I get these apids under control, should the tree grow new leaves? I noticed today that the tree has begun to drop the curled up leaves, where before they were firmly attached.

 

[troutsqueezer]

It should grow some new leaves if it is not too close to Fall where you are. To get new, smaller leaves on a Bonsai, we will strip off the existing larger leaves.

 

[flusher]

Let me add to the above.

I also grow Bonsai Japanese Maples. Once every few years, they are torn from the small pot they grow in and all the dirt is removed from the roots. Then the roots are cut back severely. The tree is then re-potted with a fresh mixture. I do give some Vitamin B to help minimize shock but honestly, I can't the difference between when I do use Vitamin B and when I don't. Occasionally, the tree will go into shock and lose the leaves. Eventually, they come back. I've only killed an insignificant number of trees over the years. :laughing:

Nice bonsai:thumbsup:
I have two Japanese maples thriving in my Japanese bonsai garden. Bought 3 year old plants and they've been in the ground about 4 years. The soil here is gravely loam with hardpan clay about 20 inches below the surface. I only water them when the temperature gets above 90F--otherwise they take care of themselves. I'll have to prune them this winter when they go dormant.

 

[Gator6x4]

Use your hand to test the soil around the tree. If it feels wet and moist do not water that day. Aphids are hard animals to eliminate. Here is a good article on controlling aphids on Japanese Maples. Japanese Maples and Evergreens ｻ Blog ArchiveHow to Identify and Control Aphids on Japanese Maples ｻ Japanese Maples and Evergreens Good luck with the tree. I have two of them and really enjoy the foliage change.

 

[Scooby074]

Good info

It looks like there has been a major change in the trees condition overnight. I sprayed the curled leaves (entire tree) with safers last evening and this evening most of the once curled leaves are straightening out! Plus it rained all day today

I cant believe the change. Could eliminating the aphids have that quick a change on the tree???? It doesnt seem right that it would.

 

[Scooby074]

Some pics from tonight. Bear in mind that basically the entire tree's leaves were tight curls, now they are starting to straighten, with some completely straight. There are still some tight curls, but I think its improving.

 

[troutsqueezer]

That's good news. Like I said: Japanese Maples are tougher than people think. Problem is, once you get one, you want more. They are very picturesque and you don't have to live in Japan to appreciate them.

flusher, perhaps we should start a Bonsai thread. Not something you'd expect to see in a tractor forum though.

 

[Fossil Farm]

Glad you found your problem and a fix !!! Hope it continues to get healthy for you.

 

[Scooby074]

Hope this works out!. The tree seems to be well established. Hope it was as simple as aphids and nothing more.