Is this the culprit?

Grass hoppers dont damage plants in this way.

I wonder what has damaged it then.

I would say that you owe him an apology. This is a young sub adult Green Cricket, not a Grasshopper. As it is Britain's largest insect (at least once fully grown) and quite uncommon except in the far south, it is something to celebrate and treasure.

Definitely and insect, and not weather/sun related. Would of thought holes to small for slugs and snails, possibly caterpillars when the leaf was younger..

I agree also with Nicky in that they don't damage plants like this. Wish they occoured up here in Northumberland :-)

Whoops, I do owe him and his mate an apology. I've also seen them on my Robinia pseudoacacia frisia which has similar damage but not as much. Both trees are near each other that is why I presumed it was them. I have turned the leaves over but cannot see any culprits havent even seen a caterpillar. I'm puzzled but stand corrected now I know I have Crickets in my garden.

hes a beauty, think my chameleon would like him!!

x x x

Fractal... for the first time we saw a grasshopper in our garden last week - global warming I guess!

I'm wondering if the damage to your acer has been caused by the sun scorching the leaves where droplets of water have been on the leaves, then the dead part has just decayed and fallen off to leave the holes?

Good thought Sid

I would be happy if it is the sun causing the problem as apposed to a naughty bug. I could move the maple as it is in a pot and put it somewhere away from the early sun so the leaves do dry out before the sun shines on it.

Nice cricket - I (stupidly) picked one up once and it bit me lol

When you water your tree, might be worth avoiding getting water on the foliage.

Thanks for the suggestion but that is the one thing I do not do. I aways water the roots. But thanks anyway.

I agree with Sid - this looks like water drip followed by hot sun - this problem can be worse if the plant is under something that continues to drip rainwater once the shower has passed and the sun's out and on the plant again, so its probably not your watering, just nature doing its thing

Thanks Bamboo apart from going out and drying the leaves (ha ha) with a towel I will just have to let nature take its course.

Showers forcast for today, so come on, keep that towel handy! lol

Not here blue sky all the day not a cloud to be seen. But its rain to tomorrow I think.

Would be best to not be in the sun in general, unless it doesnt get too much or the midday sun..

Its in the same position since I had it but its been exceptionally warm this year. The sun has been so intense at times. If it starts to happen again next year then I will definitely move it. It generally get the afternoon sun (late). At least its nice to know its not some horrid bug.