QuestionLive in the Pacific Northwest and planted a Coral Bark Japanese Maple last year. It is shaded by a large dogwood and is placed about 3 feet from the house. It seemed to like the spot, and spring growth was going well although one side was reaching out further. We pruned the longer branches. A week or two later, all the leaves died. I mean crispy. There is a ground cover vinca at its base which appears healthy so we can't figure out what happened.
Could the pruning cause this?
AnswerYes it could. One side was growing better toward the light and away from the house. When these limbs were cut back the new growth was cut off and caused this "shock". Two things may have happened the pruning and the vinca is getting most of the water and the tree is lacking moisture. I would try watering the tree with 1 inch of water-place a pan under the tree and turn the sprinkler on and when the pan has 1 inch of water in it stop. Do this every third day for a month and see if this will help.
