Acer Palmatum top branches only sprouting at tips

10 years ago

I have a 12 yr old variant of Acer Palmatum which until now has been growing well. It's normally a beautiful tree very luxuriant & about 9/10 feet tall. It is planted in the ground with other maples close by ( Orange Dream).
This year the bottom branches have leafed up as normal but the top most ones are mainly only sprouting at the tips. There are buds further down the branches but they don't seem to be moving much. The Orange Dreams have leafed up as normal.
I haven't a clue as to why the top branches look so 'empty'.
The only thing I can think of is we have had an unusually v v v wet winter in the UK & the overflow from my rainwater butts is close by. Could it be root rot? I would have though such an established tree would have been fine.
I'd really hate to lose this tree. Any ideas?

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Comments (3)

alley_cat_gw_7b
10 years ago
My Idea is your pushing the panic button too fast. I would give it much more time if it is spring time in your country. If you could post a few photos,maybe some other concerns will pop out.
Best of luck
Al
ros_uk
Original Author
10 years ago
You could be right except normally it's up & running before the orange dreams. It has been unseasonably warm over here. Strange weather!!
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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
10 years ago
It doesn't matter how well established a tree is - it can still experience root rot if the surrounding soil remains excessively water-logged for a signficant period of time. Unfortunately, Japanese maples are rather prone to this affliction. They seriously dislike poor drainage.

I would agree that it is a bit too soon to become overly alarmed. Some of my maples have leafed out while others are still in bud - the sequence is not always the same. And it may very well be that complete leaf out of the lower part of the branches will still take place, if somewhat delayed.

I would monitor it during the season. If root rot is indeed present, you will know soon enough.