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Fife, United Kingdom Gb

Something has killed one of our acers. The bark at the base has been totally stripped away - is this caused by any insect or a small animal. It coincides with our hedgehog re-appearing after hibernation...could he be the rascal to blame?

NEW PHOTOS ADDED...definitely something has gnawed at the bark at the foot of this acer. Other acer in the background is fine and you can see there are still leaves (albeit now dead) on this one...any ideas?



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Answers

 

I do not see any bark stripped away. When an Acer dies its bark gets lighter like that - you also see it in die back. I think your Acer died some months ago.

26 May, 2012

 

Agree there is no stripped off bark on the tree in the photo. When did you plant and have you kept well watered?

26 May, 2012

 

Thanks guys I'll try to stick some more photos on...this plant was in fill leaf about a week ago...it still has leaves on but they are all wilted. It has been wet here until about a week ago too - now we're getting glorious weather. There are another 2 acers within tocuhing distance that are both still healthy so I don't think it has anything to do with lack of watering.

26 May, 2012

 

Is it in a wind tunnel of getting too much sun? One of our acers lost all its leaves after we had a howling gale which simply shredded them all off.

26 May, 2012

 

moon_growe you're right it IS in a bit where the wind can whip through...still looks more chewed than anything though?

26 May, 2012

 

I've found an old post where "Sid" has responded that the most likely cause is...slugs:

http://www.growsonyou.com/question/show/11050-why-do-my-acers-keep-dying

26 May, 2012

 

If the acer is in a windy spot that will be the problem. Fingers crossed it will come back next year for you. Does it really need that huge support?

26 May, 2012

 

Thanks moon_growe...yes we could probably have used a more appropriate stake! I think the plant has had it so it will have to go.

26 May, 2012

 

It is NOT slugs it was the gale we had a week or so ago. Lots of people have the same problem. My Acer palmatum dissectum is really frayed wit it and some of my other Acers go frayed and now bold in the northenly gales back in April.

26 May, 2012

 

Yup a particularly challenging year... I agree with Kildermorie slugs to not attack acers!

26 May, 2012

How do I say thanks?

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