Don’s Expert Answers: Japanese Maple “Tana” has scorched brown leaves from tip of leaf to about half way down leaf

Question From: 
John Gref in  Orange,  Orange NSW

 

Nature of problem: 
Japanese Maple “Tana” has scorched brown leaves from tip of leaf to about half way down leaf

 

Type of Plant (if known): 
Japanese Maple “Tana”

 

Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself): 
scorched brown leaves from tip of leaf to aout half way down. Leaves shrivel and drop off, then drop off.

 

Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type: 
Clay on top o schale

 

How often do you water the plant:
two to three times a week in hot weather. Have had heavy rains last month

 

How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
full sun

 

What type of plant is it:
Upright Jap. maple about 2-3 metres high. four years old. variety “TANA”.

 

How long since you planted it:
3-4 yrs

 

Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
Dolomite around plant

 

Is the plant indoors or outdoors: 
outdoors in garden

 

Is the plant in a pot or in the ground: 
ground

 

What other treatments have you given the plant: 
only dolomite

Upload photo if available: 

Other Comments: 
Leaves drop off and then twigs and branches die off. Tree is still producing new healthy growth

 

Answer: Hi John, This most likely to be sunburn. Japanese maples evolved in Japan where the sunlight intensity is about half that of ours – hence the tendency to burn in Summer here. A combination of dry, sunny, windy Summer days often causes this problem. Ideally the plant needs a sunny but protected position with very good watering – a little bit of shade helps. Dig some holes in the soil to see if it is dry – if it is, use siome Seasol Super Soil Wetter.  Water it for 30 mins once a week.  Don