Health of New Maple Forest???

Maveri9720

I took my first class about 8 weeks ago or so and it was on creating forests. We all came away with a forest planting of Japanese maples. I had left mine sit in the shade for a couple weeks and then moved it into the sun, albeit, a very hot, scorching sun. So a couple of weeks ago, I noticed some of the trees had leaves that were curled and some spotted, so I moved it back into the shade, for fear that I had burned the leaves. It has been in the shade since then and I haven't seen much difference. Some of the trees have sprouted new buds and leaves, but I am worried about the couple of trees that don't look so good. I have included some pics below.

Any advice on what to do? Any treatment needed?

Thanks in advance.......

Mitch

Attached Images

	Forest 1.jpg (47.6 KB, 72 views)
	Forest 2.jpg (65.6 KB, 31 views)
	Forest 3.jpg (62.2 KB, 40 views)
	Forest 4.jpg (62.7 KB, 23 views)
	Forest 5.jpg (61.9 KB, 23 views)
	Forest 6.jpg (52.1 KB, 39 views)

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Vonsgardens

Hey,
Is the soil petty close to drying out when you water it next? Looks like it could be some sun burn and possibly a little overwatering (a conundrum). The new leaves/buds is a very good sign. John

Ralph

From my own experience with Japanese maples in the Dallas area, you can't keep them in full sun without them burning up. In fact, in the neighborhoods where they grow in the landscape around here this time of year, all the japanese maples have some degree of leaf burn.
That said, you will want to keep your forest presentable, and minimize this burning. That is going to require some degree of shade. Ideally a location that gets morning sunlight and protection in the afternoon.
Japanese maple leaves are delicate and the combination of sun and wind will dry them out quick. The leaves that burn like that will not recover, and you will have to endure that through the rest of the year.
Beginning next spring, you can tweak your location(s) that you will keep this forest, and it may take you a couple of seasons before you get it right. Earlier in the spring, before the sun rises to high, the trees will be more tolerant of the sunshine, and grow vigorously. Moving into late spring and early summer, you will need to seek more shade and wind protection.

__________________
Emerging from winter slumber
Bonsai trees burst buds anew
Spring is upon us!


-Paul S.

Maveri9720

Vonsgardens,

I have noticed that the soil stays moist for a fairly long time. I just recently went to bamboo skewers to check for moisture levels, so I have been laying off of watering the forest. I very well could have overwatered it in the beginning. I saw some of the leaves turning up, so I assumed that it was drying out and watered it alittle more than I normally would have. Now, I just check the bamboo skewers and water when necessary, as with the rest of my Bonsai.

Ralph,

Thanks for the good info and insight into the care of J. Maples. I will make sure that they get what they need and try to keep them out of the scorching sun, so they keep from getting burned.

Thanks for the help, as always.

Mitch