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I have had an acer tree for some years, its been kept in a very large pot, I've noticed after the winter that some of the branch leaves on one side of the tree are wilting but the rest of the tree seems fine. If you look at the attached picture the foreground centre to left side of the picture the dying area can be seen, in fact there is one branch that has no growth. Is there anything I can do to improve matters? Should I be pruning the dead and dying branches? G
21 May, 2010
Answers
I agree with Bamboo with that amount of top growth the Acer needs to be in the ground. Remember that the root spread is, or should be, the same as the top growth spread. When you do plant you are likely to find the roots are all very tightly interwoven. Soak overnight in water and try to tease at least some of the roots out or the rootball stay bound to the shape of the pot.
21 May, 2010
Thankyou both for the advice, I am now looking for an appropriate spot to plant. My garden is east facing but I have been concerned in the past that as the sun comes round on a hot day, the Acer has ended up with scorched leaves, Any ideas?
22 May, 2010
It will need planting in semi-shade and somewhere that is out of the wind. It can take some sun but not full sun Trowels.
22 May, 2010
Thankyou Moon grower
22 May, 2010
You are welcome...
22 May, 2010
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I'd prune out the dead area - I note the compost in the pot looks rather dry, too. I'd say it may be that the tree now needs to be put into the ground - the amount of topgrowth suggests that it now does not have enough root room.
21 May, 2010