Help with Japanese Maple

Likely heat, sun and perhaps some moisture (too little, too much) stress. Wind can also cause scorching. Plus your’s is a young plant still getting established. Emperor 1 is a “sun tolerant” cultivar. I wouldn’t be overly concerned.

I know your conditions are not as harsh in NC as they are in south Louisiana, but I have about dozen young J Maples, oldest being 3 years, most are reasonably well shaded - the scorching of leaves happens to all of them this time of the year and all are heat/sun tolerant cultivars. I do have a single cultivar that doesn’t scorch named “Baton Rouge” - a really nice coral bark J Maple. Purchased from Mr. Maples near Asheville, NC.

I had a struggling Japanese Maple last year. Was advised to feed it yearly with 888 fertilizer and give it a good soaking once a week by letting the hose run on it for about 15 minutes. After doing that, it’s coming back nicely.

quote:

---

I do have it in an area where garden sprinklers hit it 3 times a week for about 20 minutes. Could it be that its getting too much water? I have not fertilized it all since I planted.

---

Yes I think that is too much water - just one good watering weekly in the absence of a 1 inch rain will suffice.

Adding a little general purpose, slower release fertilizer with micronutrients would be fine as well - maybe a 1/2 cup around the drip line. Usually adding fertilizer late winter, early spring (Feb/Mar) as leaves emerge is advisable. I personally use Lesco 14-14-14 polyplus (slow release) fertilizer for shrubs/trees - including my in-ground J Maples.

Takes 3-5 years for a Japanese Maple to adjust to that much sun. Patience, and twice a week soakings.

Thank you for all responses.

No the bark seems to be fine. Just the leaves are the issue. It will produce new leaves then they scorch. Sounds like I need to reduce the watering and wait it out.