Sick Japanese maple

[Steph-B]

Hi

There is a Japanese maple tree in my garden which has been declining in health across the years and whose branches have died off gradually (see attached photo of its current state).

Since its decline has been over years I don’t think it's to do with the current dry spell - and I do water it regularly.

I’d be grateful for any ideas on causes and treatment.

 

All the best

[Retired Climber]

What's at the bottom of the tree? Is it planted in a gap in paving? 

[Steph-B]

Hello

Thanks for getting back so quickly.

No, it's planted in soil - see attached.

[Lowestoft Firewood]

some savage looking root girdling happening there. possibly sketchy planting from a pot originally. Not much you can do with them now. Soil is very dry and no mulch, water for about half hour 2 / 3 times a night with hose and mulch well. 

[Steph-B]

Many thanks. Was thinking that the roots looked weird! What kind of mulch do you recommend? And should I get someone in to cut off all the dead bits?

 

[Excels1or]

As above. You need to have an arborist out to remove that girdling root.....you can water it all day but the roots are restricting water and nutrient flow 

[Steph-B]

Oh gosh, sounds complicated and expensive. Hope I can find someone who can do this. Many thanks for your help.

 

[Retired Climber]

26 minutes ago, Steph-B said:

Oh gosh, sounds complicated and expensive. Hope I can find someone who can do this. Many thanks for your help.

 

It need not be expensive, but you should find someone who knows what they are doing. A lot of people call themselves tree surgeons, with not much more than a few NPTC certificates by way of qualifications. It's a very quick job for someone who will quickly understand the problem, and then do the necessary. 

[Excels1or]

2 minutes ago, Retired Climber said:

It need not be expensive, but you should find someone who knows what they are doing. A lot of people call themselves tree surgeons, with not much more than a few NPTC certificates by way of qualifications. It's a very quick job for someone who will quickly understand the problem, and then do the necessary. 

👌👍

[Excels1or]

36 minutes ago, Steph-B said:

Oh gosh, sounds complicated and expensive. Hope I can find someone who can do this. Many thanks for your help.

 

Its less expensive to have someone qualified to address the roots now, than to have to remove the tree later down the line