Japanese Maple Problems - Pests And Diseases For Japanese Maple Trees
A Japanese maple is a glorious specimen tree. Its red, lacy leaves are a welcome addition to any garden, but they aren't problem free. There are a few Japanese maple diseases and several insect problems with Japanese maples that you should be aware of to give your tree the care it needs.
Japanese Maple Pests
There are several possible insect problems with Japanese maples. The most common Japanese Maple pests are the Japanese beetles. These leaf feeders can destroy the looks of a tree in a matter of weeks. Other Japanese maple pests are scale, mealybug, and mites. While these Japanese maple pests can attack a tree of any age, they are usually found in young trees. All of these pests present as tiny bumps or cottony dots on twigs and on leaves. They often produce a honeydew which attracts another Japanese maple problem, sooty mold. Wilting leaves, or leaves that are curled and puckered, may be a sign of another common Japanese maple pest: aphids. Aphids suck plant sap from the tree and a large infestation can cause distortions in tree growth. Tiny clumps of sawdust indicate borers. These pests drill into the bark and tunnel along the trunk and branches. At worst, they can cause the death of branches or even the tree itself by girdling the limb with their tunnels. Milder cases can cause scarring. A strong spray of water and regular treatment with either chemical or organic pesticides will go a long way to prevent insect problems with Japanese maples.
Japanese Maple Tree Diseases
The most common Japanese maple diseases are caused by fungal infection. Canker can attack through bark damage. Sap oozes from the canker in the bark. A mild case of canker will resolve itself, but heavy infection will kill the tree. Verticillium wilt is another common Japanese maple disease. It is a soil dwelling fungus with symptoms that include yellowing leaves that fall prematurely. It sometimes affects only one side of the tree, leaving the other looking healthy and normal. Sap wood may also become discolored. Moist, sunken bruising on leaves is a sign of anthracnose. The leaves eventually rot and fall. Again, mature Japanese maple trees will probably recover but young trees may not. Proper annual pruning, cleaning up of fallen leaves and twigs, and yearly replacement of mulch will help prevent the infection and spread of these Japanese maple tree diseases.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Jackie Rhoades began writing for Gardening Know How in 2010.
-
5 Plastic Products To Avoid In Your Garden – And How You Can Embrace Plastic Reduction
The less plastic we use, the healthier our planet will be. Here are some big plastic gardening products to avoid, plus some alternatives.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
8 Small Trees For Front Yards – Boost Curb Appeal Without Dominating The House
Discover the best small trees for front yards, which make an impact in multiple seasons without overshadowing the rest of the yard.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Japanese Maple Tar Spots: Treating A Japanese Maple With Tar Spots
Once established, Japanese maple plantings usually require little attention from homeowners, with the exception of a few common tree issues – tar spot on Japanese maples being one of these. Learn about treating a Japanese maple with tar spot in this article.
By Tonya Barnett
-
Why Japanese Maple Won’t Leaf Out – Troubleshooting A Leafless Japanese Maple Tree
Few trees are more charming than Japanese maples with their deeply cut, starry leaves. If your Japanese maple won?t leaf out, it?s very disappointing. Leafless Japanese maple are stressed trees, and you?ll need to track down the cause. Click here to learn more.
By Teo Spengler
-
Japanese Maple Leaf Spot: What Causes Spots On Japanese Maple Leaves
With a compact size, interesting foliage, and beautiful colors, Japanese maple can anchor a space and add a lot of visual interest. If you're seeing spots on Japanese maple leaves, though, you may be worried for your tree. Find out what those spots are and what to do about them here.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Japanese Weeping Maple Care: Tips For Growing Japanese Weeping Maples
Japanese weeping maple trees are among the most colorful and unique trees available for your garden. And, unlike regular Japanese maples, the weeping variety grows happily in warm regions. Click this article for additional information about Japanese weeping maples.
By Teo Spengler
-
Japanese Maple Feeding Habits – How To Fertilize A Japanese Maple Tree
Japanese maples are garden favorites with their graceful, slender trunks and delicate leaves. To keep your tree happy, you?ll need to site it correctly and apply fertilizer. If you want to learn when and how to fertilize a Japanese maple tree, this article will help.
By Teo Spengler
-
Japanese Maple Seed Propagation: Tips On Planting Japanese Maple Seeds
Japanese maples have a well-deserved place in the hearts of many gardeners. They are often bought as saplings, but it?s also possible to grow them yourself from seed. Learn more about how to germinate Japanese maple seed in this article.
By Liz Baessler
-
Coral Bark Maple Trees: Tips On Planting Coral Bark Japanese Maples
Coral bark maple trees (Acer palmatum "Sango-kaku") are Japanese maples with four seasons of interest in the landscape. Want to learn more about the coral bark tree? Click this article for additional information about this stunning tree.
By Darcy Larum
-
Caring For Potted Japanese Maples – Growing Japanese Maples In Containers
Can Japanese maples be grown in containers? Yes, they can. If you have a porch, a patio, or even a fire escape, you have what you need to start growing Japanese maples in containers. If you are interested in planting a Japanese maple in a pot, click here.
By Teo Spengler