Question:
My Japanese Maple, planted in early June, has been struggling. It began to decline two months ago and has now shed all its leaves. I made sure there were no exposed roots by planting it a foot below the surface and watered it every five days. I am seeking advice on how to revive it.Answer:
- .Japanese Maples drop their leaves in the fall as a prelude to dormancy.
- This occurrence will delay the answer as to whether or not it can be revived; however, I am pessimistic it will leaf out next spring. Here are my concerns.
- Japanese Maples are planted with the root ball above the soil surface in clay soils. You protect the exposed roots with mulch.
- Planting plants' high out of the ground' is critical in heavy and poorly draining clay soils to prevent crown and root rot.
- Water will then drain away quickly from the crown area. In sandy soils, this is not a problem.
- Unfortunately, your Japanese Maple is planted way too deep. It's not necessary to cover every root. The number one nonpest or disease-related plant problem gardeners have is planting too deep.
- Mulching during the summer months protects the exposed surface roots. Also, you can hasten the decline by watering every five days, especially when the Japanese maple leaves are no longer present. After a month to six weeks of planting, every six to ten days is typical.
- Excessive soil moisture increases the activity of the soil
- pathogens.
- Right now, I'd dig it up, and replant it with the top of the first root at the soil surface. Also, change your watering pattern every two weeks until the rainy season starts.
- I'd feed it an All Purpose Plant Food in March to encourage the new growth. By Mother's Day, you should see new growth. If not, I would replace it.