How to revive young Japanese Maple?

LukeR

Hi Workshop Community

I was after some help/recommendations on what I can do to help my 2 year old maple. The middle section appears to be scorched and other leaves have black spots. I'm aware I shouldn't trim until dormancy has set in but am also wondering where and what I should trim when the time right.

Thanks in advance...

  

EricL

Hello @LukeR 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about your maple tree.

Your maple looks like it's going through a bit of stress, and it’s great that you’re keeping an eye on it early. The leaf scorch in the middle section is likely due to heat, wind exposure, or inconsistent watering—especially since it's in a pot where conditions can fluctuate more quickly. The black spots on the leaves could be fungal, like tar spot or anthracnose, which are common in maples but manageable with a bit of care.

For now, continue regular watering, ensuring the soil stays consistently moist but not soggy—mulching with a product like Richgro 70L Pine Bark Mulch from Bunnings can help retain moisture and protect the roots. Also, try to move the pot slightly if possible so the tree gets some morning sun but is protected from harsh afternoon heat.

You’re absolutely right to hold off on pruning until the tree goes dormant in winter. When that time comes, focus on removing any dead or dried-out branches—these will usually be brittle and won’t show any green when lightly scratched with your fingernail. For cleaner cuts, you can use a pair of Fiskars Bypass Pruners from Bunnings, which are great for light to medium pruning. Trim just above a bud that faces the direction you want the new growth to head, and avoid heavy pruning all at once.

If the black spots continue to spread, consider spraying a gentle fungicide like Yates Liquid Copper Fungicide during the growing season next year as a preventative. Just be sure to apply it during cooler parts of the day and avoid spraying on windy days.

Your maple has a good structure and should bounce back with some steady care—just a bit of TLC and patience should do the trick! Let me know if you’d like help choosing a better spot for it or checking the soil condition too.

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when spraying your plants.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric