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Identity of a sorry-looking tree...

Last post 23-04-2012 8:59 PM by Silver surfer. 3 replies.

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  • 23/04/2012 06:13 PM
    • Newbiggin
    • North Yorks
    • 23 Apr 2012
    • 6
    Not Ranked
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    My first post so hopefully someone can help...

    We've had a tree in our garden for some 25+ years. I'm guessing it's a Maple of some sort, judging by it's leaves, and it it's quite small for quite an oldish tree, being about 6ft tall. http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o516/Newbiggin/tree.jpg

    The thing is, it's always given us a good display of leaves every year, but this year it appears to be struggling and the leaves are drooping on most branches. Some branches of the tree haven't even sprouted leaves. Some leaves appear burnt at the ends and have wilted and I'm a little worried that it's in need of attention. The photo above doesn't show the worst of the tree!

    First of all, I need to identify what it is and then perhaps someone can point me in the right direction.

    Perhaps the recent cold, wet and windy weather is to blame?

     Thanks in advance.

     
  • 23/04/2012 06:20 PM
    In reply to
    Top 25 Contributor
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    Welcome Newbiggin.

    You are correct.

    It is an Acer palmatum.

    Possibly Acer palmatum atropurpureum or one of the many named purple leaf cultivars.

    I expect the frost has nipped the leaves. Hail maybe bashed it as well.

    Now you can see which branches are dead just prune them out.

    I am sure it will be fine.
  • 23/04/2012 08:36 PM
    In reply to
    • Newbiggin
    • North Yorks
    • 23 Apr 2012
    • 6
    Not Ranked
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    Thanks for the prompt reply... So it's a Japanese Maple? Can you tell me which type of Japanese Maple and can I try propagating from a stem? (If you can actually do that!!) Hopefully it is just the weather that's taken it's toll on it, but it's put my mind at rest knowing that you think it's OK. Am I better waiting to make sure the branches are dead before pruning? It's just that the branches themselves look OK - they just don't have any leaves on them!

  • 23/04/2012 08:59 PM
    In reply to
    Top 25 Contributor
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    Very difficult to go further than Acer palmatum atropurpureum. There are thousands of maples.

    You could collect seeds... but they might not come true.

    Most special Acers are grafted.

     Wait till you are sure the twigs are completely dead. .. just incase!

    I always remove dead branches/twigs in spring just as the leaves are opening. Dead branches turn grey and are easy to spot when compared to healthy twigs. But you can do it at any time.