Struggling Acer

[RowsOfFlowers]

I planted a beautiful Acer tree last month as it was a birthday present from my mum!

It was thriving and looking beautiful until the last two weeks. The leaves have drastically shrivelled up and curled. I did wonder if it’s leaf scorch caused by the hot weather and sun? I have been watering it twice a week, as I’m keen not to overwater. Any advice? I’ve just put some acer food on it now and given it a good watering.

Acers can be a bit of a Princess!
I don’t think you can overwater in this weather, not for something newly planted.
I would say its just sulking as newly planted and been so hot. Is it in shade? Acers don’t do well in full sun in my experience.
Did you check the roots were nice and free when you planted? If it’s been in a pot for a long time, and being a big mature specimen like that I suspect it must have been, the roots tend to go round and round the pot so they struggle to spread out when planted. Next time you should try and tease the root ball free a bit if it is root bound. And its generally best to plant new shrubs/trees in autumn winter to give them the best start at good roots.
Do you know your soil type? Acers prefer an acid soil, I have them in pots as our soil is too alkaline for them to thrive.
But I suspect its most likely just thirsty. Good luck!

I have a large & healthy Acer in a pot and have to give it plenty of water each day during the drier months. It's potted in ericaceous soil & I feed it in the Spring. I must be doing something right as it's over 20 years old now!
Perhaps yours need more water.

They don't like full sun very much. They are woodland plants. Is it is shade at all? I also agree that it will need lots and lots of water at this time of year.

Definitely leaf scorch I think, mine had the same, so I moved it to a shady spot where it is thriving. Acer's new leaves seem to be very sensitive to full sun. You can tough it out, as the leaves become a bit more resilient once they are less young and tender. However, you will notice this every year with new growth, and it not only spoils the beauty but also causes the tree stress. Sorry!

Eeeek!!!

My acer is also planted in ericaceous soil. I suspect it’s because it’s in sunshine. It does get shade at certain parts of the day. I know that you can over water them but wondering if I need to water her a bit more.

@RowsOfFlowers Why are you keen not to overwater?

A newly-planted acer needs a thorough soaking every day at this time of year - it is midsummer and really hot. AND - You also need to damp down the surrounding ground and all over the leaves to raise humidity. Doing that will help. Also put a container full of water beside it, and as the water evaporates from the container it will raise the air humidity. That's why acers do well near a pond. The tree doesn't have enough water to support the existing leaf canopy, hence the leaves going crispy. The plant can't replace what the leaves are losing, and it is becoming dehydrated. It has probably suffered root damage too. And if it loses too many leaves, it won't be able to photosynthesise and get the energy to grow new roots.

Plant food is no help at all at the moment, so don't give it any more.

Oh yes, and if anyone says "Ooh you mustn't water it or get the leaves wet when the sun's out" they are wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong.

I’ve got a few in pots dotted around. They really don’t like hot sun.

I've got ... er, let me think... around the 30 mark in pots or something like that, I lose count. They are all in partial shade at the moment.

my husband waters our acers twice a day!
They seem to be thriving.

I do have a sunshade sail for when it gets too hot and sunny though.

I shall water more and see how she gets on! X

Are they in containers or in the ground?

A mixture of pot and ground based ones

Could you put a sun shade up for it and then move it somewhere shader in autumn?

It’s the heat. They like shade. It will probably recover op.

Another thing Acers hate is wind, they prefer a sheltered spot if you live, like I do in a more exposed location.

I think I’ll get some sort of shade for it.

They are okay in full sun (and you get better autumn colour) as long as they are kept moist, and if you avoid a windy spot. They really don't like the wind.

Ericaceous soil is good; they much prefer it, so it's not all bad news 🙂

Thanks @Yamadori
I didn’t realise re wind so now questioning whether I’ve put it in the wrong place.

If you decide to move it, do it in early autumn.

Thank you ☺️

also considering adding some mulch

Good idea

When you say you are watering, how much are you giving it?

I started a similar thread about a month ago. I’ve been watering it heavily since and it’s improving. It was an early leafer and I think suffered from lack of rain at the time.
www.mumsnet.com/talk/gardening/5337470-my-beautiful-acer-is-under-attack