New Japanese maple with leaves that are curling and black

Question: Our new Japanese maple started getting new leaves that are coming in and getting curled and blackened edges.  Picture attached.  Thank you.

responder: Dennis Mohn  Replied June 08, 2023, 6:43 AM EDT
response: Good morning Laura, My first question is , where do you have the tree planted? Japanese Maple prefer morning sun and afternoon indirect sun or dappled shade. Your tree may be suffering from leaf scorch from to much sun.  It may also be in need of more water because of the dry conditions we have been experiencing .  I am including some information from Davy Tree about care and watering of Japanese Maple .  If possible, get back with me on the planting location and sun exposure of the plant and I may be able to research more deeply for you. But I do believe this may be the cause of the difficulty https://blog.davey.com/what-is-deep-root-watering-of-a-tree/ https://blog.davey.com/see-burnt-tree-leaves-fix-leaf-scorch-symptoms-with-treatment/ https://blog.davey.com/what-to-do-when-your-japanese-maple-has-crispy-or-brown-leaves/#:

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 09, 2023, 8:35 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your detailed reply. I really appreciate it.  The attached links were very helpful.    I did notice that the tree has some leaves that have white spots. I was able to remove it with my finger, so I'm guessing it's mildew.  As for the location you are correct.  It's probably getting too much afternoon sun. However, the length of time it is exposed it's not long. I think it may be drying out the way everything else is in the yard.   We're going to try a very slow  water.   I will forward a picture of the leaves with spots.   Laura Nolan On Jun 8, 2023, at 6:43 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 09, 2023, 8:46 PM EDT
response: On Jun 9, 2023, at 8:30 PM, Laura Nolan <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿Thank you for your detailed reply. I really appreciate it.  The attached links were very helpful.    I did notice that the tree has some leaves that have white spots. I was able to remove it with my finger, so I'm guessing it's mildew.  As for the location you are correct.  It's probably getting too much afternoon sun. However, the length of time it is exposed it's not long. I think it may be drying out the way everything else is in the yard.   We're going to try a very slow  water.   I will forward a picture of the leaves with spots.   Laura Nolan On Jun 8, 2023, at 6:43 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Dennis Mohn  Replied June 12, 2023, 7:26 PM EDT
response: Hello Laura,      yes, your new shrub needs lots of water. Slow watering and good drainage is key. Don't be surprised if the leaves that were curled and brown fall off. That is normal. Keep a watchful eye on your plant , After a good watering it will not hurt to place mulch around the exposed ground at the base. Be careful not to mound the mulch at the trunk , try to keep the mulch at least 3 inches away to prevent disease and the formation of  root sprouts above the natural ground level. The addition of mulch will help slow the drying process and also keep the ground cooler during the heat of the day .       Here in Northeast Ohio we finally got a good slow overnight rain. I hope you did also .

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 12, 2023, 8:11 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much for your help once again! I just moved the mulch away from the base and gave them a good watering.  Yes we have been blessed with rain.  Much much needed! On Jun 12, 2023, at 7:26 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿