My Dwarf Japanese Maple...

[Ashdoes]

It's leaves are crispy. We got it for in the run, so the chickies have shade, till more bushes fill out. Even before putting it in the ground it was getting crispy leaves, so I thought, wow, plant that poor thing. But it's still crispy.
Wondering if it's just from the weather? And really hoping it's not going to die. Any tips?

 

[franklinstreetwest]

Here in michigan, when the heat of the summer sets in, the delicate leaves of the japanese maples scorch. Sometimes completely off. Typically they re-foliate. People often leave sprinklers going, or water the leaves on hot days....those little droplets of water act like magnifying glasses on an ant, and scorch the leaves quickly. Never water the leaves of these trees. At my garden center, and other prominent garden centers in my area, care is taken to keep water off their tops. Especially at mid-day.

 

[franklinstreetwest]

Often just giving it a deep drink of water when the soil dries out...and giving it a little time to recover is all they need.

 

[Ashdoes]

We've decided to put up shade cloth over that corner of the run. Thank you for answering me, and letting me know the leaves may come back. All the branches seem fine, so I'm pretty sure the tree hasn't died.
Thanks again.

 

[franklinstreetwest]

It sounds like it will be just fine. Good luck pullin your baby through

 

[TheNuttyChick]

Could the leaves be wind burned from transporting it?​

 

[Ashdoes]

Could the leaves be wind burned from transporting it?​

No, it's nice and short, and fit right in the back of the SUV.
When we went back to the store a week later the other maple was looking the same as the one I brought home.

 

[Ashdoes]

So I was out in the run yesterday and decided to snap off a piece of the tree to check if it's still alive. First, I noticed yes it is still alive, then I noticed the little leaf buds popping up on it. And of course then I looked at the tree and sure enough little buds alllllllll over the tree. The shade cloth is very helpful right now, but I'm hoping some new vines I'm planting grow quickly and I can take the cloth down, since I prefer a more natural look.

 

[franklinstreetwest]

HAPPY DAY! So glad to hear it's pulling through.

 

[TheNuttyChick]

So glad your Maple is doing OK!​