Japanese Maple

Hi,
My Japanese Maple has Horse chestnut scale and Aphids.
I have sprayed and done everything but they keep returning.

But what is slightly worrying is that I think the tree might be dying. the ends on some branches are turning grey w/ nothing growing. I try to cut them back when they appear. See pics.

Thanks so much

Tracy

Re: Japanese Maple

Reply from Katy Elton

Hi Tracy,

It's quite common for some Japanese maples to experience this silvery-white dieback. It's particularly likely on varieties that produce thin, twiggy growth such as yours.

Although it can be unsightly, it has no effect on the overall health of the tree. Simply prune back as you have been doing, to healthy green wood. From the photo the tree looks full of life yet!

Horse chestnut scale is another fairly harmless problem, which shouldn’t have to great an effect on the tree. For the aphids, have you tried spraying them with simple soapy water?

Kind regards
Katy