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Anthracnose in Japanese Maple

How to identify and treat anthracnose in Japanese Maple.

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Japanese Maple care requirements

water
Regularly when young. Drought-tolerant when established.
soil
Moist, well-draining, slightly acidic soil.
light
Dappled shade to morning sun. Protect from scorching afternoon sun.
symptoms

Symptoms to look for in Japanese Maple

Irregular brown or tan blotches on leaves, often along veins, sometimes with twig dieback in wet springs, and premature leaf drop in severe cases.

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Common causes in Japanese Maple

Caused by fungal pathogens that thrive in cool, wet spring weather, entering through new growth as leaves emerge — Japanese Maple's delicate, thin leaves are particularly susceptible during extended damp periods.

healing

How to treat anthracnose in Japanese Maple

Remove and destroy fallen, infected leaves each autumn, prune out dead or infected twigs, and apply a fungicide in a persistently wet spring if the disease recurs.

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Preventing anthracnose in Japanese Maple

Prune for good airflow through the canopy, clean up fallen leaves each autumn, and avoid overhead watering that keeps foliage wet.