Coral Bark Maple Tree Dying

11 years ago

I bought a coral bark maple tree last year. It survived the winter and leafed out in the spring. Suddenly, the trunk is turning black and the leaves look burnt. I believe my husband accidentally fertilized it, which I know is not good. Is there anything I can do to save it? It is in a container on my terrace so I am going to try and replant it in fresh soil. Thanks for your help, I really love this tree.

Featured Answer

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

11 years ago

last modified: 11 years ago

Coral bark maples, Acer palmatum Sango Kaku (and similar looking cultivars), are very prone to a bacterial blight, Pseudomonas syringae. It is typically encouraged by damage that can occur during a harsh winter (but may not be obvious) that weakens the tree and allows it to become extremely vulnerable. However it can even penetrate plant tissue via leaf stomata and is very common in wet springs.

When it only blackens or discolors the branch tips and new shoots, there is a very good possibility that pruning out the diseased wood will halt the spread. However, when the black extends the length of the branch, appears on the trunk or is very widespread, there is usually not much hope for the tree.

btw, any tree grown in a container will require periodic fertilization. That is not the problem here.

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Comments (6)

weirdball
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Your tree is planted in a pot with soil which is most likely your problem.

Watch this two part video by Walter Pall explaining why. (Even though you aren't training your tree into a bonsai it is still a tree so the concepts still apply).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccOGUj9b6dc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pij3eGv-nW0

Idk if you've heard of AI (aka tapla) but he is basically the messiah around here and he has written this massive explanation of this concept. If you don't have the patience to read it all just ctrl+f "5-1-1" or "gritty mix" and those are some soil mixes you can try. I think 5-1-1 is probably your best bet though.

http://forums2.gardenweb.com/discussions/2842847/container-soils-water-movement-and-retention-xxii

Some common products that people get in the states that are much better alternatives to soil are: Turface, pumice, fine pine/fir bark, and Napa Floor Dry (there are others just surf around on here and you'll definitely find more information, you just need to look).

Also since this will probably require you to repot your plant keep these things in mind when you do it. 1) keep the roots wet when you remove them to prevent them to drying out and dying 2) take a fork or a small hand rake to separate the roots so they aren't clumped together 3) if the roots have grown so much that they wrap around the soil ball when you pull it out of the that means the plant is rootbound and you need to prune them back so that the tree can absorb water and nutrients and water without being choked out by its other roots.

In conclusion Google is definitely your friend, good luck! :D

Conan
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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
11 years ago
What is wrong with that tree is not a soil problem although an improper potting soil may certainly have contributed to the plant's stress. The tree is diseased, as noted above, and that can occur both in great potting soil, poor quality potting soil or in the ground. It is beyond saving.
HU-853588627
6 years ago
I brought a Coral Bark last fall and lovingly planted it using planting mix, and was careful to plant it elevated from the soil around it. I don't know if it was because of the early spring cold or the amount of rain, but the leaves never grew out beyond 1/2", and eventually turned brown. I am suspecting Verticillium Wilt, but the nursery wasn't sure. I was able to get a replacement which is resistant to the fungal disease, a Stellar Pink Dogwood, and so far it's very happy. Anyway, it would seem to me this tree is quite intolerant to wet soil; all of my other new trees are fine.
Shawn Matejovich
5 years ago
eacassas, did this tree end up dying or was it ok? I have a tree with the exact same issues....but i planted it, lovingly and proper, and it still looks terrible.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
5 years ago
Shawn, if the tree is diseased - as the OP's was - then no amount of proper or loving planting is going to help it.

To determine what's wrong with your tree and if it is salvageable, it would be best to start your own thread. Include photos of the tree, where you are located and when it was planted. And what sort of aftercare it has received.