Help: My Japanese maple is developing brown leaf edges!

Japanese maples are exceptionally beautiful trees (or, more accurately, small trees).

Because of their compact size and slow growth, these Acer trees are ideal for small gardens!

Japanese maples (Acer palmatum) have graceful, palm-shaped leaves and display spectacular fall colors. There are also varieties that retain a distinctive red color year-round and others that change color several times a year.

Still, Japanese maples (Acer palmatum) aren't exactly easy to care for.

Is your Acer also developing brown edges on the screen?

Shortly after planting, you often notice brown edges appearing on the leaves. Why does this happen?

Location of Acer palmatum

Japanese maples are quite particular when it comes to their growing conditions. In addition to preferring slightly acidic soil, they shouldn’t be planted just anywhere in the garden.

Acer palmatum prefers a somewhat sheltered spot in (partial) shade. Filtered light is ideal (such as under a tree with a not-too-dense canopy).

Is the Japanese maple in full sun?

In a sunny spot, you can be almost certain that brown edges will appear on the leaves and that the tips of the leaves will dry out.

This may be limited to just the very tips, but unfortunately, it can also affect a large portion of each leaf.

Young plants and newly planted ones are particularly susceptible to this. As the plant develops deeper roots, it will be less affected by it.

Is the Japanese maple swaying in the wind?

Japanese maples do not like cold winds. In this case as well, the edges of the leaves will soon turn brown. The leaves will dry out more quickly.

Can Japanese maples withstand frost?

Even in freezing weather, the leaves and their edges can turn brown and dry out. Therefore, it’s best not to plant your maple in a spot in the garden where frost lingers longer. Instead, choose a spot where your tree is sheltered from cold east winds.

Incidentally, Japanese maples are often quite hardy, but once they have leaves, they are susceptible to leaf damage.

Is it a problem that my Japanese maple has brown edges on its leaves?

Although it often doesn't look very nice—and you choose an Acer precisely because of its beautiful foliage—it's actually less harmful than you might think.

The edges of the leaves dry out and turn brown. Sometimes the entire leaf dies off. However, the plant itself is not significantly damaged by this and will therefore usually recover just fine.