The hand-shaped or slotted leaves are the maple's most beautiful decoration. If the tree or shrub sheds its leaves prematurely, this is a sign of a mental disorder. This guide summarizes the most common causes of premature leaf loss with tips for effective countermeasures.
If the maple sheds leaves before fall, action must be taken
Cause #1: drought stress
The water requirements of maple trees are sometimes underestimated. Especially during hot summer days, the flat-rooted plants are threatened by drought stress. The tree sees its existence threatened and sheds its leaves to protect itself. How to act correctly:
- Pour the dried maple penetratively
- Let the water hose run for at least 20 minutes in the bed
- Soak in the pot until the saucer fills up
If you can lift a maple in a bucket, 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 fungus and lice. If you can rule out drought stress as a cause, please check the maple for the following diseases and pests:
- Powdery mildew: cut off affected parts of the plant; then treat with milk-water
- Maple scab: collect and burn all fallen leaves in the fall
- Red pustule disease: cut off infected parts of the plant down to the healthy wood
If you can identify aphids as the culprit, fight the pests with a solution of 1 liter of water and 50 grams of soft soap (€44.90) and 1 teaspoon of spirit. Please note that leaf loss will continue until all pathogens or pests are eliminated. Ecological pesticides should therefore be used repeatedly.
Cause #3: Sunburn
Maples love a sunny to partially shaded location. Nevertheless, the trees are not among the unconditional sun worshipers. Under the influence of the blazing summer sun at midday, the leaves suffer sunburn, wither and fall off. Classic symptoms are yellow to light brown spots with a dark edge, brown leaf tips and edges.
For pot maples, an immediate change of location can stop leaf loss. Maple in the bed is temporarily shaded and should be transplanted in autumn.
tips
If a maple loses its leaves in places, there is cause for concern. These symptoms, coupled with limp shoots and stunted growth, indicate Verticillium wilt. This is a soil-borne fungal infestation that gradually clogs the pathways. Unfortunately, there are currently no cures for the disease.