Q.Is My Acer Beyond Saving?
My acer is in a circular flower bed in my back garden. It has looked a bit sad for a few years now but this year it has had hardly any leaves and a lot of branches have died and been cut off. It is about 18 feet high and has been in for around 10 to 15 years. I have noticed a lot of ants going up and down its trunk but have stopped that using sellotape around the trunk, sticky side out. I have attached a photo of some of the few leaves it has left.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
This sounds serious enough to contact a certified arborist. Here's an article that outlines the common problems affecting these trees. You may be able to save it, but it definitely has an infestation. The ants are after the sticky honeydew that's produced by aphids, mtes and other insects. With some help, you may be able to save this tree, but you'll need expert eyes on it to be certain.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/japanese-maple/japanese-maple-problems.htm
