Sick Acer

Mine also looked like this last year. I put it down to the very wet weather and exposure to the wind. I have since relocated it - it's now in a pot just outside the conservatory door, sheltered from the wind and rain and it's picked up nicely. The leaves are a little bit smaller than last years I think, but I'm glad it's survived. Give yours some TLC and relocate it to a different spot in your garden, hope this reassures you..

Thanks. I wonder whether relocation would stress it more as it's about 7-8ft tall and in the ground rather than in a container. The conditions within the whole garden are not ideal for acers as I'm on a hilltop, but the wall nearest the acer is 6'6 wall with a very vigourous jasmine growing up it. This year I have planted escallonia on the other side of the garden which has a lower fence, so hopefully the wind will be more filtered in future from that side.

I get the crispy effect on my Acer if the leaves get wet and then sun, but not the white spots. Could it be mildew type of infection. Someone else may know if Acers might get this. They like some acidity so some ericacious feeding could help, especially in the Spring. Maybe the weather has just been unsuitable this year and lets hope next year is better.

Definitely looks like Mildew. Our Acer purpureum gets it every year as the leaves begin to get old.

Don't worry, Elleme, I'm afraid it's that weather to blame again! My Acer palmatum looks just like yours - and is losing its leaves far too early.

Yes, it's been two years of a rotten summer. I'm hoping for a better one next year - as always!

I ,have had similar problem with Acers this year but some in a polythene tunnel look fine. I think they dislike the weather. I notice they always seem to grow well in the West country, here in Hampshire they are unhappy.Warm and humid on acid soil thats what they like.

its just age of the leaves realy.there very delicate at the start of the year let alone later after a summer.i find spiders using the leaves for cover even makes them die back