Q: I planted a ‘Bloodgood’ Japanese maple this spring. The tree has made it through the summer in fine shape, except the red leaves have faded to green. What gives?

A: Fox McCarthy, owner of Fox Hollow Nursery in Conyers, says ‘Bloodgood’ typically fades to a combination of red and green at this time of year. The amount of fade depends on where the tree is sited in your landscape. More shade equals more of a green tint to the leaves.

Learn to expect this each year; the leaves will still turn bright crimson each fall.