weeping japanese maple - Ask Extension
Our 25 year old weeping japanese maple bloomed beautifully in April. Since the first week of June, the leaves started to dry up. It started at the t...
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weeping japanese maple #873056
Asked June 13, 2024, 9:56 PM EDT
Our 25 year old weeping japanese maple bloomed beautifully in April. Since the first week of June, the leaves started to dry up. It started at the top and has now affected the entire tree. We also have noticed that the trunk is splitting on all sides. Any advice on how to treat?
(Raleigh)
Wake County North Carolina
Expert Response
Hello,
I am sorry about your tree. I do think it is anthracnose disease based on your comments, let me explain.
Anthracnose refers to diseases caused by fungi that produce conidia in structures called acervuli (Deuteromycotina, Coleomycetes). These fungi can infect leaves, flowers, fruit, and stem tissues. Infections are usually initiated in the spring when new growth is emerging, but can occur throughout the entire season when the weather is favorable. Environmental conditions that are most favorable for disease development include periods of extended cool, moist, or wet weather., like what we have had over the last few springs.
Symptoms of anthracnose diseases range from minor cosmetic spotting of leaves to blighting of leaves and tender shoots and dieback of twigs and branches. Symptoms also vary with the individual host and the causal fungus. Anthracnose symptoms are apparent from late spring to early summer, but additional cycles can result in damage that is visible later in the growing season. As leaves and shoots mature and approach full size, they become relatively resistant to infection.
Anthracnose diseases are generally considered aesthetic or nuisance problems. However, when infections are heavy, they can result in disconcerting levels of premature leaf drop and defoliation. Anthracnose diseases can also disfigure trees when infected twigs and branches die. This is most apparent after several successive years of disease. Most trees that have dropped leaves prematurely usually produce new shoots and leaves by midsummer. Trees that are otherwise healthy can fortunately withstand several years of defoliation without long-term implications.
Because you have caught it in the first year I think you can control and lessen the problem. I have two sites to suggest. One is from NCSU Plant Toolbox which is a great general source for all plant details and care. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/acer-palmatum/
The second is from Clemson University. This site will have pictures that can help you confirm the diagnosis and how to control it. You will want to rake up all the dropped leaves and prune out any dead branches. To make sure a branch is dead scratch the bark and see if it is green underneath. If it is then it is still alive. Lastly, the bark splitting in your image could be natural, maples are prone to the bark splitting over time. https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/maple-diseases-insect-pests/
I hope this helps! If you think this is not correct feel free to contact us again or you can send a picture to the Plant Disease and Incest clinic at NCSU. Here is the link in case you need it,
https://pdic.ces.ncsu.edu/how-to-submit/
Thank you for contacting us and good luck!
I am sorry about your tree. I do think it is anthracnose disease based on your comments, let me explain.
Anthracnose refers to diseases caused by fungi that produce conidia in structures called acervuli (Deuteromycotina, Coleomycetes). These fungi can infect leaves, flowers, fruit, and stem tissues. Infections are usually initiated in the spring when new growth is emerging, but can occur throughout the entire season when the weather is favorable. Environmental conditions that are most favorable for disease development include periods of extended cool, moist, or wet weather., like what we have had over the last few springs.
Symptoms of anthracnose diseases range from minor cosmetic spotting of leaves to blighting of leaves and tender shoots and dieback of twigs and branches. Symptoms also vary with the individual host and the causal fungus. Anthracnose symptoms are apparent from late spring to early summer, but additional cycles can result in damage that is visible later in the growing season. As leaves and shoots mature and approach full size, they become relatively resistant to infection.
Anthracnose diseases are generally considered aesthetic or nuisance problems. However, when infections are heavy, they can result in disconcerting levels of premature leaf drop and defoliation. Anthracnose diseases can also disfigure trees when infected twigs and branches die. This is most apparent after several successive years of disease. Most trees that have dropped leaves prematurely usually produce new shoots and leaves by midsummer. Trees that are otherwise healthy can fortunately withstand several years of defoliation without long-term implications.
Because you have caught it in the first year I think you can control and lessen the problem. I have two sites to suggest. One is from NCSU Plant Toolbox which is a great general source for all plant details and care. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/acer-palmatum/
The second is from Clemson University. This site will have pictures that can help you confirm the diagnosis and how to control it. You will want to rake up all the dropped leaves and prune out any dead branches. To make sure a branch is dead scratch the bark and see if it is green underneath. If it is then it is still alive. Lastly, the bark splitting in your image could be natural, maples are prone to the bark splitting over time. https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/maple-diseases-insect-pests/
I hope this helps! If you think this is not correct feel free to contact us again or you can send a picture to the Plant Disease and Incest clinic at NCSU. Here is the link in case you need it,
https://pdic.ces.ncsu.edu/how-to-submit/
Thank you for contacting us and good luck!
