I live in South Africa, with a temperature of between 61 - 93 Fahrenheit, or between 16 - 33 Celsius for summer. For winter 28 - 72 Fahrenheit, or between -2 - 22 Celsius. This is the second time that I've lost a Japanese Maple the first lack of light or to much water. This time around I planted in a spot that received sun between 11 and 3 o'clock and rest of the day shaded. It began to loose its leaves showing the typical water droplet on leaves burns that has been described on the forums. I addressed the watering from the sprinklers. Later it actively created new leaves, whereas other leaves were scorched basically green/brownish. As discussed before the tree was most-likely under extreme stress and needed saving. Unfortunately I best thought to replant the tree since it was not located in a pot. So I left it in my room with plenty of light then went away a few days. I left instructions for it to be watered twice a week if the soil is dry. Now I came back last night. I found no new sprouting leaves and the trunk is black with some green spots (original bark I presume). I was told the tree was covered with a white pest of some kind, and was thus cleaned with soap water. First question: Is the tree dead? Second: any general suggestions regarding the climate. Since the general solutions posted relates to 1)ensuring that the cultivar can cope with the climate and 2) planting it in positions that gets morning or later afternoon sun, thus filtered sun during noon. The Idea of the cultivar is lovely, I'd like to have some of those trees in the back yard. Provided I can get it growing.

I pruned it last night, took a couple of hours. Still could do more but it looks much better (it's hard to reach the higher branches). What kind of ladder do you use to trim something like this? I have an 8' stepladder but can't reach the middle/highest areas. Any other recommended cuts based on photo, let me know. About the green meatballs (boxwoods) - my whole landscaping is being changed in about a week. That is why I posted - the JM was slated to go (replaced by miss kim lilac but I can't bring myself to like that). In that area underneath the tree will be huechera, coreopsis, hydrangea. New landscape lighting/wiring. I don't know if what is planned will "relate" to the JM though. The whole area will be much more filled in with plants and rock mulch replaced with hardwood mulch. I will ask my landscaper about the Hokone grass. He is already being driven crazy by me as I've changed my mind about things a gazillion times.

Not sure there is a lot you can do for it at this point. JM's are prone to a variety of soil pathogens that can severely damage or even kill the tree. This one looks like it might be dying a slow death :-(( What I would suggest is getting rid of all the rocks - they are not helping and could be hurting the tree. And carefully prune out all the dead wood you see. It will be a pale color, often gray, compared to the dark color of healthy tissue. Dead wood tends to harbor insects and allows an inroad for other disease issues. Then just keep the tree adequately watered - not too much, not too little. Just don't allow the soil to dry completely. And no fertilizer!! If the tree does not respond or seems to get worse, then it's time to contemplate removal. But I would be cautious about replanting with another JM until you can confirm what caused the problem (and that may involve a path lab analysis), as some of these soil pathogens will infect any other susceptible species planted that space. Going forward, you might want to post any other questions you have about Japanese maples on the Maples forum. This one is pretty much inactive and most JM enthusiasts post there.

what she said.. but it would be helpful to know the product ... and how you used it ... properly diluted.. etc.... btw ... if you fert your lawn... your tree will NEVER need any further fert ... regardless ... i SUSPECT.. unless you dumped a bag of nitro right next to the tree trunk... there isnt any real problem ... so lets not try to fix something that probably isnt broken .... and if this is one of those snake oil things.... its probably not very strong.. properly diluted ... just dont try to love it to death ... trees simply usually need nothing.. ever ... [beyond proper watering the year or two after planting]... they are not children.. they dont need to be fed.. pampered.. educated.. etc ... ken ps: and if you maple loses its leaves in a month or so.. dont freak out.. lol.. thats what they do in fall ...