The Japanese maple, a popular garden and pot plant, can be affected by various diseases. We show what it's all about when the colorful trees get gray branches and what help you can take to combat it.
Why does the Japanese maple have gray branches?
Gray branches on Japanese maples can be caused by verticillium wilt, a fungal disease. To prevent this, professional care is important, such as correct location, regular watering, avoiding waterlogging, frost-free wintering and regular fertilization.
Why do Japanese maple trees have gray branches?
If the branches of the Japanese maple turn gray for no apparent reason, it may be due to a disease that commonly affects the plant: verticillium wilt. Specimens in pots can be affected as well as those planted in the garden and also bonsai. This disease is caused by fungi. Not only can it be transmitted from one plant to another, but it is also very dangerous.
Can a maple tree affected by verticillium wilt be saved?
Yes, with a little luck and quick action the plants can be saved. The fungal infection at the root has not progressed far and there are only a few branches dead, the following procedure can help:
- Cut back dead branches completely with secateurs (€19.00 on Amazon)
- Dig up the maple and thoroughly remove excess soil
- cut back the roots generously
- Be sure to use fresh substrate for replanting
Cut branches and roots must never be placed in the compost, otherwise the fungi could spread there again.
Can it be that gray branches mean the death of the maple?
Yes, unfortunately it is possible that a Japanese maple with gray brancheswill inevitably die Whenever the trees are too badly affected by the fungal disease, there is a risk that they can no longer be saved. This often happens when the gray color on the tree is only recognized when the infection has already progressed too far.
What can you do to avoid the gray branches?
To prevent gray branches from forming again due to verticillium wilt, the Japanese maple needs good and professional care. These include:
- choosing the right location without too much direct sunlight
- watering regularly when the top layer of soil is dry
- Avoiding waterlogging
- protected wintering without frost
- regular fertilization from April to August
Tip
No replanting in infected locations
If you want to plant new maple trees, you are welcome to choose the old spot in the garden. However, if plants cultivated there have fallen from verticillium wilt, this is strongly discouraged. Even if the entire soil has been replaced, it is better to choose another suitable location where the Japanese maple can then feel comfortable.
