Japanese Maple Aphids - Ask Extension
Hello! I recently noticed aphids on my crimson queen and green Japanese maples as they were starting to bud. I did my best blasting them off with a ho...
Knowledgebase
Japanese Maple Aphids #897186
Asked April 13, 2025, 1:14 PM EDT
Hello! I recently noticed aphids on my crimson queen and green Japanese maples as they were starting to bud. I did my best blasting them off with a hose as well as using an insecticidal soap, and they seem to have mostly gone away. However, now the leaves are curled up instead of broad, and I am wondering if there is anything I can do to stop the curling, or if they are just going to stay this way. Thank you!
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Holley,
The curled-up leaves are probably due to aphid feeding. They will not return to normal and stay that way until they are naturally shed or pruned. But the new growth should be healthy. If you want and if it's practical, you can prune severely distorted leaves. Make sure that you keep monitoring for aphid reinfestation.
Thank you!
