Acer leaves has gone funny! Pic attached

[Bigteamug]

Hi, I'd appreciate your help please? I love my trompenburg acer (the purple one in the picture) and it looks generally very happy. It has grown a lot since I bought it last year.

Yesterday though I noticed that a few leaves have come through a different colour, much brighter and a much broader shape.

Does anyone know why this might be?

The only thing I can think of is the tree grafted (like they do with roses)so the root stock is 'leafing'

Yep, looks like a different type of acer. I actually have a one that looks like your few leaves so you might have a case of grafting. Very interesting.

Yes I agree , grafting. You could end up with an interesting hydrid!

It seems to be reverting back. If you like it mixed then leave it, if you don't then prune that branch out.

As others have said, the graft stock is growing through and it is this variety that will win unless you keep it pruned out - so, assuming you bought Trompenburg because that's what you wanted, keep on top of the root stock.

Thank you all, that's so helpful, not the sort of thing they ever mention in gardening books!

I will get to work on it. 😀

Yes, if you look at the base of the trunk, you will see the scars where they did the graft. The colour and texture of the bark is usually slightly different below and above the graft showing the variety you want at the top, and the vigorous acer rootstock at the bottom, which will be where the new growth is coming from. Just cut it off close to the trunk, and keep an eye out in case it does it again, otherwise it will sap the energy (literally) from the top.

Thank you, screwing up my courage to tackle this without damaging the tree. Is it safe to do it now or should I wait for the dormant season?

@Bigteamug do it now! So that it doesn’t sap growth in the growing season. I get a sucker on one of mine too, and just cut it off when I notice it.

You can cut it off now, and if you happen to have some vaseline handy, smear that over the cut area, which will help to seal it and prevent nasties from entering. It should heal up fairly quickly at this time of year.