Japanese maples can survive the winter without turning brown, dry and crispy if gardeners complete one key job in October. Recent weather conditions may have left the plants scorched, with vibrant red leaves shrivelling and dropping off. In severe cases, leaf scorch can lead to premature leaf drop and even dieback of small branches.
Gardening expert and TikTok creator Ish revealed the simple steps to keep the plant in good shape. In a video from August, Ish said: “If your acer is sounding a little bit crispy, like mine is here, then don’t worry, it’s perfectly fine. It’s just a case of taking a few steps to make sure we bring it back to life before it gets a little too far. And there are three things you need to do.”
Find the right position
The first step is simple. If you have an acer plant in a pot, consider moving its position in the garden. You’ll need to find a spot that has partial shade, keeping it away from anywhere where the sun fully glares. Partial shade is ideal for younger plants, while established trees can deal with a little bit more sun. Any dry heat will crisp the leaves up very quickly.
Watering and avoiding strong winds
Keeping the plant hydrated is essential to prevent dry and crispy leaves. If temperatures are higher than anticipated, Japanese maples will need plenty of water. You won’t need to water the foliage, as Ish said “it takes care of itself”. Aim to water directly into the pot or the ground, depending where the Japanese maple is planted. Ish said: “The roots will soak up all the moisture and it’ll help itself up here.”
Positioning the plant away from exposed areas is particularly important for autumn and winter. Ish explained: “Now, strong winds again, are drying out these leaves, and that’s what helps them crisp up, and we don’t want that whatsoever. So combine the tree of those together, your acer should be absolutely fine.”
Feeding
When it comes to feeding, Japanese maples only need to be fed twice a year, and in some cases just once. In a video from September, Ish recommended feeding with a specific type of acer feed, suitable for both new and established trees. He advised using a slow-releasing feed, saying: “They don’t like hard, liquid feeds that go in too quickly. They want something slow and constant throughout the soil throughout the season.”
The feed can be applied by taking a handful and spreading it over the top of the soil, followed by watering in with a hose or watering can. Ish continued: “It really is that simple to water and feed your acer.” You won’t even need to feed your acer until next spring.
