We transplanted a mature Japanese Maple with a 5 foot spread this spring to save it from destruction during renovation. Sadly, the heat has been relentless since and the tree is very stressed. Every few days a small branch of leaves turns brown, dries up and dies with increasing frequency in the past few weeks. We have been watering faithfully. Does anyone have an opinion as to whether it is getting too much water or too little or is it just stressed from the heat? Any suggestions are appreciated. We are new home owners, novice gardeners and would hate to lose this tree.

Thanks, Lee

The leaves of my maple trees [bloodgood] experienced the same thing. During the two-week period in July when the temperature ranged from 93*F to 103*F, the leaves just dried up, turned brown and started falling off. I continued watering to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Two weeks ago, new leaves started out and the trees are now full of red leaves again.

Try to protect the tree as BFVision said from hot sunlight. A 5-ft. canopy probably means that the tree is about 5-9ft. high. A 9-ft. market umbrella placed near the tree might be able to offer some shade from direct sunlight .

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Amor est vitae essentia.
Love is the essence of life.

Have you tried a bit of fertilizer as well, it might give the tree a little extra boost during tough times?

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Shani

May the wind always be at your back
and your keel in the water