Question
I've recently planted an Acer (smallish, copper coloured) in my front garden but it's already suffering from leaf burn. I've been told I should move it to where it wont get the morning sunshine as, with dew on the laves, it's the morning sum which causes it to burn.

My query is, if I move it out of the morning sunshine, what's to stop it burning later in the day when, after it's been raining, the sun comes out.

Your advice would be very much appreciated.

Regards

Brian Firth

Answer
While maples are very beautiful trees, it is the sad truth that they are subject to many leaf problems. If insects and deseases weren't enough, they are sensitive to the enviroment too. The Japanese varieties need protection from hot sun, and cold wind, and sudden frost. They should not wilt or have too much water. The soil should be rich and well drained. But to best answer your question, yes they can burn if there is a lot of water on the leaves, and the hot sun hits those leave just right. To keep your maple looking good, give it a good start in the perfect location. Give it protection from harsh enviromental conditions, spray it for insects and deseases, and feed and water it carefully. Once it is established, it will be more resistant to these problems and it will harden off to the sun. It needs good sun light to grow well. So one way to prevent the water damage, is to not get the leaves wet when you water it, and when there is a threat of rain and sun, shake the tree to remove most of the water before the sun hits the tree.
bakerplanter