Damage to Japanese Maples - Cause & Solution?

11 years ago

Hi All - We just bought 3 Japanese maples yesterday (Bloodgood) that we plan to plant tomorrow. While the trees are generally in good shape, I did notice some damage to the leaves, that looks like it has been caused by some sort of bug or pest. I assume this is not good for the tree and in order to give them the best chance at survival and keep them as healthy as possible, I need your help - any thoughts on what specifically caused this damage and what can/should I do to prevent further damage? Any treatment, spray, etc?

Unfortunately, the focus of the photos turned out poorly, so I apologize for the blurriness, but you can see little holes in the leaves - not terrible, but there.

Featured Answer

magpiepix 5b/6a

11 years ago

Also be very careful not to bury the tree trunks too deeply or to mulch up to the trunk. JMs like to meet the soil right where the roots start to flare out, and they don't like mulch or debris against their trunks. Many nursery JMs are buried too deeply in their pots, so if you find their root flare below the soil, just clear it away and plant it the right way.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

magpiepix 5b/6a
11 years ago
I don't see any photos. :) Did it upload?
MRBr04
Original Author
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Sorry, having uploading issues, here they are! Like I said, the pics are a little blurry because I didn't realize my phone was focusing on the ground and not the leaves, but hopefully you can still see the little holes in the leaves.
Related Professionals
Dover Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Danbury Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Merced Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Vancouver Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Chillicothe Landscape Contractors · Youngstown Landscape Contractors · Chatham Landscape Contractors · Laredo Architects & Building Designers · Des Moines Architects & Building Designers · Sioux City Architects & Building Designers · Aurora Architects & Building Designers · Westerly Architects & Building Designers · Sheboygan Architects & Building Designers · Anchorage Architects & Building Designers · Vancouver Architects & Building Designers
MRBr04
Original Author
11 years ago
Pic 2
MRBr04
Original Author
11 years ago
Pic 3
MRBr04
Original Author
11 years ago
Pic 4
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
11 years ago
It is absolutely nothing to be concerned about. Spotting on potted JM foliage typically occurs from uneven watering practices. The leaves develop spots, they necrotize and fall out and you are left with something that looks like insect damage but isn't.

You want to avoid spraying anything but water on your leafed out JM. The foliage is very sensitive and will develop phytotoxic reactions with just about anything - insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, Neem oil, even most fungicides.. Fortunately, few insects find JM's appealing and those can either be washed off with water (aphids) or picked off (caterpillars).
MRBr04
Original Author
11 years ago
Great to know! We were on the hunt for something smaller in size and colorful, so I really fell in love with these guys and just wanted to make sure we were keeping them healthy from the start. Any other special tips or tricks regarding planting them other than the standard tree planting instructions? We are in Ohio and have pretty dense clay soil, though I understand JMs typically do well in it.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
11 years ago
If you have clay soils, then dig a very wide but shallow planting hole and plant high. No amendments in the hole - save any for a mulch or topdressing.