My Japanese Maple leaves have wilted and are dry. What can I do to try and bring it back to life? I have had the tree for about five years now, never had an issue. It's about 7 feet tall and about 4. 5 feet wide. Thank you!
You need to determine if it is alive. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/how-to-tell-if-a-plant-is-dead-and-how-to-recover-an-almost-dead-plant.htm
If the tree's branches are still pliant and it is alive, there are several things that could be wrong with it that could be causing this problem. It could be pests, a fungus, watering issues or a problem with the roots. Without being able to examine the tree, I am not able to pinpoint the exact cause.
But, if you treat the plant with a pesticide and a fungicide (I recommend neem oil as it is both) and make sure the plant is properly watered and that there is not any root damage, then that should cover the majority of things that may be affecting the plant.
These bugs are eating away the bark on the trunk. Any ideas on how to get rid of them?
While it is really dependent on the type of bug you are seeing, it may help to treat the tree with neem oil on a weekly basis for about a month. This should take care of whatever insect pest your tree has as well as any fungal issues that may pop up too.
The leaves dry up and eventually the tree dies. I have it in a big pot, in partial shade with only morning light. What am I doing wrong?
Most thrive in full sun, though some prefer open shade or part sun and shade. Mulching will help insulate the roots. Also, you should be watering deeply twice a week, or daily for a container-grown tree.
The stems and trunk are not affected and appear healthy. Most of the leaves are brownish. The leaves are red and very delicate. How should I treat this condition?
It may need water. Much of the country has experienced low rainfall and if this true of your area, then all you plants likely need at least an occasional good long drink.
It may also be a fungus, though you normally see spotted leaves and yellowing along with the browning if it is a fungus. If you suspect a fungus, treating the tree with a fungicide will help clear it up.
I have two 55-year-old, gorgeous Japanese red maples - not the ones whose leaves look purplish, but red maples. Anyway, there was a tree knot on one of the main branches. It fell out. Now the area where it was -large size hole - looks very porous and rust color inside. Is it dying? I'd be mortified. I love those trees. Is there anything I can do? What does a tree knot come from, and what does it mean when it falls out? After reading your site (it's very good), maybe we should have kept what fell out and taped it back in. A neighbor said to fill the hole with a contractor's spray foam. Please help.
Filling in the hole can cause further damage as it traps moisture and disease. You can treat them with an insecticide and a fungicide (neem oil is nice because it is both) and let them heal over naturally. It is usually better to let it heal itself.
This dormant season, I'd like to trim my Japanese Maple tree and would like to know if there is a lunar cycle/phase that I should trim my tree?
This article will help you with that:
http://www.lunarorganics.com/pruning_moon_gardening.html
I have in my front yard a Locust tree, a flowering Dogwood and a Japanese maple. All three have the same bark disease. The bark is peeling and there is a spot on the Locust that looks as if it had a small explosion that pushed the bark outwards and left a hole the size of a golf ball. On all the trees there is what looks like a pale green patchy fungus. Can anyone tell me what is happening to my trees? Thank you
The pale green fungus is lichen and is not harmful to the trees. Many people like the way lichen looks and are fine with it, but others find it unsightly. This article will help you with the lichen:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/fungus-lichen/treatment-tree-lichen.htm
The other issues sound like you make have a canker disease. There are several kinds and diagnosing trees can be difficult without a physical examination. This article will explain more about cankers:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/cankers-on-trees.htm
But, I would also recommend contacting your local extension office to see if they can send someone to help identify the exact type of canker disease or if they can recommend a local tree specialist that can help you.