Japanese maples are a stunning addition to any garden, bringing a burst of vivid, rich red foliage. While they provide a striking splash of colour throughout the summer months, the season’s heat and conditions can pose a serious threat to the plant’s leaves — and its overall health.
If Japanese maples are not maintained in the right environment, those striking red leaves can become scorched, curling up and falling away. In more serious cases, leaf scorch can trigger premature leaf drop and even dieback of smaller branches. Once this occurs, the leaves will not return until the following year.
In a recent TikTok video, gardening expert Michael Griffiths explained: “If the leaves on your acer are turning brown and crispy, it’s not the end of the world. It’s called scorch, but it is fixable. So here are three causes and how to fix them.”
How to keep Japanese maples safe during summer
The primary cause is the plant receiving excessive sunlight. When the foliage is exposed to intense heat and direct sun, it can not only lose its vivid red hue but also dry out and shed entirely, reports The Mirror.
Michael noted that Japanese maples prefer “dappled or partial” shade. Should your Japanese maple be housed in a container, reposition it somewhere beyond the reach of direct sunlight.
The second concern is that the plant may be suffering from dehydration.
Michael said: “Acers like moist but well-drained soil. They don’t like sitting in the wet, but they hate drying out even more.
“Potted acers especially can dry out in summer, so keep them well watered and never dry.”
Lastly, it is worth remaining vigilant during windy conditions. The gardening expert went on to say: “A windy or exposed spot can strip the water from the leaves faster than the roots can replace it, and that is scorch too.
“That’s exactly why acers struggle in coastal or exposed gardens, so give it some shelter.”
The Royal Horticultural Society noted that Japanese maples flourish when positioned in a cool, lightly shaded spot in fertile, well-draining soil, away from direct sunlight during the summer months.
The plant does particularly well when sheltered beneath taller deciduous trees. The society also highlighted that extra caution should be exercised during strong, cold winds, as these can equally cause the leaves to scorch.
This means wind exposure should be kept to a minimum wherever possible, as gusts will rapidly dry out the leaves regardless of the temperature. Positioning them close to a fence or a larger plant will offer additional protection from the wind.
Comments are closed.