If you own one of those beautiful lacy Acer japonicums or Acer
palmatums with the delicate red leaves, you have probably witnessed the
effects of wind, drought, and the hot sun. Many of the new species are
being bred more and more resilient, but overall, Laceleaf Japanese
Maples have a tendency to scorch in hot, dry, or windy conditions.
Take Preventative Actions
If you are planting a new Japanese Maple, think about your climate and
exposure to wind and sun. If you plant them out in the open with no
wind screen, they will be more likely to dry out.
Water your
Japanese Maple deeply once a week, and more often if conditions are
severe. Keep an eye on your plant daily, so you will know if it needs
more water. The leaves will start to droop a few hours before they dry
out and scorch.
Don't Worry
Japanese Maples
are very resilient. If they are damaged, losing a few leaves is not
going to kill them – they will usually bounce back and fill in with
proper treatment, as long as the limbs aren't dead. Our big tree here
at Wayside Gardens got scorched by a frost last year. It was ugly for a
whole growing season, but this year, you couldn't tell it had ever been
harmed.