Dried Branches On My Japanese Acer

Question

Top branches of my Japanese Acer look dried out, if not dead. I don’t know what has caused this. May be the pot is too small. Do I cut these dead branches off?

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Answer 1

The tree is experiencing stress. It could be winter kill, sun scorch, overwatering, or a disease. These articles should help you decide. If the stems are dead, you can prune them out. Check first by scraping off some of the bark. If it is green underneath, the stem is still alive, and you don't need to prune it out. Also check for pests such as aphids or scale. Is that a borer entry hole in the front or was a branch removed?

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/japanese-maple/japanese-maple-wont-leaf-out.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-leafing-problems.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/japanese-maple/japanese-maple-care.htm

https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/maple/