How to tree care: tip burn on a Japanese maple

There are several causes for tip burn on a Japanese maple, including the stress of being newly planted. If your tree still looks bad after an acclimation period, look at these factors for the cause of those burned leaves.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Japanese maple
• water
• well-drained soil
• fertilizer
• white vinegar

1. Sun SUN Although Japanese maple trees can tolerate full sun, too much sun can burn the leaves. If your Japanese maple is in direct sun all day, try providing a little more shade. You can do this by planting a quickly growing plant on the sunnyside of your tree. If it’s really bad, you can move the tree during its dormant season but remember that this will also stress it in the short-term.
2. Water WATER Allowing your Japanese maple to dry out in hot weather is another cause of tip burn. Maples have shallow roots and like consistent watering. Do not let your maple tree dry out completely, but don't keep it soggy, either. If your Japanese maple is in a pot, it will become dried out much more quickly and will require more frequent watering.
3. Soil SOIL Your Japanese maple tree prefers acidic, well-draining soil. Adding coffee grounds will add acidity to the soil. Mulch can help keep in the water and also adds acidity. Be sure to keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk of your maple. Salts in the soil, left behind by fertilizer or water, can cause tip burn on a Japanese maple. Some people recommend flushing the soil to get rid of extra salts, but this will also get rid of nutrients that the tree needs! To water your tree, fill a bucket and let it sit for a day or so before watering so that any chlorine has a chance to dissipate. Adding a tablespoon of white vinegar to the water will help get rid of the salts in the soil. To fertilize your tree, use a fertilizer specifically for Japanese maple trees.

Tips & Warnings

• Tip burn is around the edge of the leaves; if more of the leaf is involved, it could be a tree disease. Take a sample to your local arborist or nursery for assistance.
• Don’t use softened water on your Japanese maple.