1. Forum News
    NEW SOFTWARE & SERVER IS COMING!
    Please click on the link below to get the most up to date information: CLICK HERE

Acer in trouble

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by simone_in_wiltshire, Feb 24, 2026 at 2:58 PM.

  1. simone_in_wiltshire

    simone_in_wiltshire Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Mar 16, 2024
    Messages:
    1,918
    Gender:
    Female
    Location:
    NE Wiltshire, UK
    Ratings:
    +8,906
    Last Autumn, one half the Acer had suddenly wilted leaves literally over night. I wonder if this (in almost white) is a disease in relation. I checked the RHS website and I can’t really find similar issues to my one.
    Would you take the entire tree out?
    It doesn’t look good to me. There are 5 branches like that and looks like spreading to other branches.
    Thanks for your advice.

    image0.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Feb 24, 2026 at 3:16 PM
  2. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2005
    Messages:
    57,390
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Mid Kent
    Ratings:
    +113,330
    It just looks like some die back to me.
    I'd prune it out although might be a bit late now as it may bleed.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • Agree Agree x 1
    • simone_in_wiltshire

      simone_in_wiltshire Total Gardener

      Joined:
      Mar 16, 2024
      Messages:
      1,918
      Gender:
      Female
      Location:
      NE Wiltshire, UK
      Ratings:
      +8,906
      Thanks @pete
      I had looked at all illnesses but couldn’t find a picture that showed what I have.
      There are more parts affected and some parts turn black.
      I take the tree out.
       
    • Pete8

      Pete8 Total Gardener

      Joined:
      Aug 29, 2017
      Messages:
      1,084
      Gender:
      Male
      Occupation:
      Retired
      Location:
      Billericay, Essex
      Ratings:
      +2,700
      Your description bears similarities with Verticillium Wilt - something acers are prone to.
      If some of the branches have black 'bruises' on them, that would confirm it.
      I have one with it.
       
      • Like Like x 1
      • simone_in_wiltshire

        simone_in_wiltshire Total Gardener

        Joined:
        Mar 16, 2024
        Messages:
        1,918
        Gender:
        Female
        Location:
        NE Wiltshire, UK
        Ratings:
        +8,906
        @Pete8 That’s what I looked at the rhs website.
        I will take it out now. I don’t want to get spread over the garden.
         
        • Agree Agree x 1
        • Thevictorian

          Thevictorian Total Gardener

          Joined:
          Mar 14, 2024
          Messages:
          1,114
          Location:
          Norfolk
          Ratings:
          +2,239
          In the picture it looks like natural dieback. Maples are famous for it, especially when the branch is shaded. My acers, in full sun (they weren't when they were planted but the neighbour took out there large tree) had more dieback than normal last year, likely because of the dry weather.

          I would try and get some more pictures for an id before I removed it as the rest looks pretty healthy from what I can see.
           
        • simone_in_wiltshire

          simone_in_wiltshire Total Gardener

          Joined:
          Mar 16, 2024
          Messages:
          1,918
          Gender:
          Female
          Location:
          NE Wiltshire, UK
          Ratings:
          +8,906
          @Thevictorian I have already taken out it. A closer look outside the dark corner revealed that the infection affected most parts of the tree and the stem was half black. I don’t want that it spreads to other shrubs and trees. Hopefully I come away with my drastic step.
          There was in neighbour’s garden an Ash tree taken down in 2020 because of ash dieback. I wonder if it came from there. Or the drought last year made it too weak.


          Thanks to all for your advice :dbgrtmb:
           
        Loading...

        Share This Page

        1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
          By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
          Dismiss Notice