The hand-shaped or slotted leaves are the maple's most beautiful decoration. If the tree or shrub sheds its leaves prematurely, it signals a he alth disorder. This guide summarizes the most common causes of premature leaf loss with tips for effective countermeasures.
Why does a maple tree lose its leaves prematurely?
A maple tree loses its leaves prematurely due to drought stress, disease, pests or sunburn. Countermeasures include sufficient watering, removing and treating affected parts of the plant and changing location in the event of sunburn.
Cause No. 1: Drought stress
The water needs of maple trees are sometimes underestimated. Shallow-rooted plants are threatened by drought stress, especially during hot summer days. The tree sees its existence threatened and sheds its leaves to protect itself. How to act correctly:
- Watering dried maple thoroughly
- Let the water hose run in the bed for at least 20 minutes
- Water in the pot until the saucer fills up
If you can lift a maple tree in a pot, place the container in a tub filled with water until no more air bubbles rise.
Cause 2: Diseases and Pests
Most maple species are susceptible to fungal infestation and lice. If you can rule out drought stress as the cause, please examine the maple for the following diseases and pests:
- Mildew: cut off affected plant parts; then treat with milk and water
- Maple wrinkled scab: collect all fallen leaves in autumn and burn them
- Red pustule disease: cut off infected parts of the plant down to the he althy wood
If you can identify aphids as the culprit, combat the pests with a solution of 1 liter of water and 50 grams of soft soap and 1 teaspoon of spirit. Please note that leaf loss will continue until all pathogens or pests are destroyed. Ecological control agents should therefore be used repeatedly.
Cause 3: Sunburn
Maples love a sunny to partially shaded location. Nevertheless, the trees are not unconditional sun worshippers. Under the influence of the blazing summer sun at midday, the leaves become sunburned, wither and fall off. Classic symptoms are yellow to light brown spots with dark edges, brown leaf tips and edges.
For potted maples, an immediate change of location can stop leaf loss. Maple in the bed receives temporary shading and should be transplanted in autumn.
Tip
If a maple tree loses its leaves in places, there is cause for concern. Combined with droopy shoots and stunted growth, these symptoms indicate Verticillium wilt. This is a soil-borne fungal infestation that gradually clogs the ducts. Unfortunately, there are currently no cures for the disease.
