Japanese maples can avoid turning brown and crispy during hot weather by using a simple natural item, according to a gardener's tip shared on TikTok.
Gardener's tip for heat-stressed acers
Gardener Ish, known as @gardening.with.ish on TikTok, explained in a video that if an acer tree looks crispy, it may be unhappy with its location or affected by extreme weather. He recommends using frost fleece to protect the tree from the sun.
Ish said: “My secret weapon is frost fleecing. All I do is take the frost fleece and pop it on top. What this does is it makes a nice little shade, so it reduces the amount of sun rays that’s in, holds some of that moisture in as well and creates its own little micro-climate inside.”
Watering and shade make a difference
Keeping Japanese maples watered and in a partially shaded area can make a “massive difference” to their condition, Ish noted. For trees planted in the ground that cannot be moved, frost fleece provides a practical solution.
He added that with this method, the tree will “stay fine through heatwaves and extreme weather.”
Mulching for moisture retention
Ish also highlighted the importance of mulching to protect Japanese maples in hot weather. He said, “Mulch helps retain soil moisture and temperature.”
Applying a one-to-two-inch layer of organic mulch, such as pine bark or pine straw, around the base of the tree helps conserve moisture and keep roots cool. The mulch should be kept a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and fungal infections, and a mulch-free zone ensures good air circulation.
