Question
Sick lJapenese Red Map
I live in Maine where temps have been known to go to -35 some years & last year was one. 13 years ago I planted a (JRM) in a protected area from the wind/cold.Up until this past year it had always done/looked great. What I found this spring was that a lot of the branches from most of the top to the tree's middle section had died. There in the middle sectio I found this deformation in the trunk as shown in picture. What I did this spring was, I cut all the dead branches out of the tree & sealed the affected area with wood glue...thinking it might be a bore. Now,it being late summer,I find there are new branches growing,but some of them have died again. Plus now some bark is peeling off.
I have raised this tree from a 12" seed that had grown under its parent tree. When it got to be 3ft.tall, I planted it here some 13 yrs ago to grow to be a 12 foot tree today.Is there anything I can use/or do to help it live now?
I thank you for any advice you can give me.
~Kate
AnswerHi Kate, I did some checking and found what I suspected, especially with peeling bark. Which fungus the plant has you would have to check your leaves. I know I tell everyone to get Atomic Grow but it is the only product I know that has saved so many plants. One problem which you have to figure out how to correct is the watering. Has it been raining a lot? Are you watering too much? You can remove mulch around your tree to help it dry out. kathy
Anthracnose
This leaf blight disease affects many trees including Japanese maples. The disease is most common during warm and wet conditions. Symptoms are small rounds spots on leaves reddish purple in color. Many spots can develop into larger irregular patterns and then completely cover entire leaves. Controls include avoiding wet the foliage late in the day. Improving air circulation with fans and or controlling with chemicals from your local nursery or garden center.
Botrytis
This fungus also known as gray mold affects mostly dead or damaged plant tissue, Although, if left untreated botrytis can cause major damage to entire crops. This disease is also most aggressive in warm and wet conditions. Treatments include improving air circulation, avoiding wet conditions, pruning and properly discarding affected plant material, and chemical controls.
Fusarium
This fungus mostly creates problems in young seedlings. Damage shows up as brown or black lesions within the stem tissue at ground level. The seedlings will then start falling over. The disease can also affect other parts of the plant like stems and new buds. Control includes increasing air circulation, avoiding wet conditions and chemicals.
Verticillium
This fungus born disease is one of the most destructive diseases to affect Japanese maples as well as other plant species. Symptoms of this disease are brown or black streaks within the cambium layer of the affected limb or branch, causing death of limbs, branches or entire trees. This disease is easily spread by mechanical means like pruning with infected tools. Moderate control can best be achieved by pruning out affected plant material with sterilized pruners or clippers and burning. No known chemical control is available.
