The Garden Community for Garden Lovers

Why are the leaves on my Acer turning brown and falling off?

United Kingdom Gb

Hi
I have an Acer Prinz Handjery which i transplanted from a pot to the ground in early spring(just as it was coming into bud), and it seemed to do very well up until a few weeks ago when the leaves started to turn brown and fall off(its as if autumn has come early).
The ground in which it is planted is heavy clay and does tend to get a little waterlogged especially with all the rain we have had lately, it is in a position which receives around 4hours sunlight per day, and is fairly sheltered from the wind as is planted in the corner of the garden with fences protecting on two sides.



Dsc00164_1_

Answers

 

if it has got too wet that will be the cause. you need to dig in some grit and humus to improve the drainage in that area. did you dig a large hole for it or was the hole the same size as the root ball? if yes then i'd be tempted to lift it and redig the area to twice the original size, incorporating grit and humus and then re-plant.

4 Aug, 2009

 

Thanks for your help, i did only dig a hole slightly bigger than the rootball.
When would you suggest would be the best time to lift it?

4 Aug, 2009

 

No time like the present Bluedream! it will give it a chance to settle down over the winter....Good luck!

4 Aug, 2009

 

yes i'd do it now so it has chance to make new root growth before autumn. dont worry if it drops all its leaves though, that is a normal response.

4 Aug, 2009

 

Please remember to dig in lots of organic matter that said once the acer reaches the clay it will still have problems. I don't agree with trees in containers but in this case it might be your bet bet, especially if that area is always wet.

4 Aug, 2009

 

Well thanks all for your help, i think as my garden has a solid layer of clay about 12" down, i think if i leave it in the ground it will always be prone to getting waterlogged, so think i will maybe take Moon Grower's advice and transplant back to a large pot.

Thanks again for all the replies :-)

4 Aug, 2009

 

Probably wise given your soil and the wetness of your ground, good luck and remember to feed and water regularly.

4 Aug, 2009

How do I say thanks?

Answer question

 


Not found an answer?