Japanese Maple did not leaf out on established branches - Ask Extension
My Japanese maple is established in this spot for 6 seasons now. This is the first time in it's life span that it has not leafed on it's existing bran...
Knowledgebase
Japanese Maple did not leaf out on established branches #872606
Asked June 11, 2024, 12:17 PM EDT
My Japanese maple is established in this spot for 6 seasons now. This is the first time in it's life span that it has not leafed on it's existing branches. It only leafed on brand new buds in the last three weeks. We are in the Grande Ronde Valley of Eastern Oregon. It is planted next to the house and has excellent wind block and the ground temp remains fairly consistent. As you can see the fatsia next to it wintered well and is very happy.
The established branches are dying off. At first in spring they were green, but weekly as I test an outward small branch, it breaks and is dry. This area is watered daily.
Union County Oregon
Expert Response
Dear Cindy,
Thank you for contacting us about your Japanese maple. There are several possible causes for the dieback.
First, I do want to mention that it looks like the tree is planted too close to the building. Tree roots will eventually extend 2 to 3 times the width of the mature tree. So, you should allow enough space for the roots to grow given the anticipated size of the full-grown tree.
From your photo, it appears there may be trunk damage a couple of inches above the soil line. Is this the case, and if so, how long ago did the wound occur? Damage to the trunk can cause branch dieback because nutrients and water cannot be transmitted up the trunk.
Another possibility is the planting depth. I cannot see from the photo, but the root flare must be above grade. That is, the area on the trunk that widens just above the root crown needs to be exposed to air.
I may be able to comment further with another photo showing the new foliage and the dead or dying branches. Please feel free to reply to this email.
Thank you for contacting us about your Japanese maple. There are several possible causes for the dieback.
First, I do want to mention that it looks like the tree is planted too close to the building. Tree roots will eventually extend 2 to 3 times the width of the mature tree. So, you should allow enough space for the roots to grow given the anticipated size of the full-grown tree.
From your photo, it appears there may be trunk damage a couple of inches above the soil line. Is this the case, and if so, how long ago did the wound occur? Damage to the trunk can cause branch dieback because nutrients and water cannot be transmitted up the trunk.
Another possibility is the planting depth. I cannot see from the photo, but the root flare must be above grade. That is, the area on the trunk that widens just above the root crown needs to be exposed to air.
I may be able to comment further with another photo showing the new foliage and the dead or dying branches. Please feel free to reply to this email.
