Leaf problem with Acer

Darren8

Morning all.

I wonder if anyone can help me with an issue I have with the leaves on an Acer Atropurpureum?

I bought quite an established one a few weeks ago and planted it. I noticed  a couple of white flecks on a few of the leaves but when I looked yesterday it had got worse.

I've done a bit of reading up & most sites suggest leaf or tar spot.

I've not come across it before so can anyone suggest if this is leaf or tar spot & if so, how can I get rid of it & prevent it from happening in future?

The tree seems healthy enough otherwise & none of the surrounding shrubs are affected by this. It is in a sheltered spot near an East facing wall.

Thanks in advance

Darren.

Fairygirl

Hi Darren - that looks like damage from water followed by sun/wind.
East facing isn't an ideal aspect for them. Dappled shade is their preference, so you may need to revise your planting location. What else is near it - planted or otherwise [fences, buildings etc] as that can have an impact.
When you say established - what size is it, and is it in a pot or the ground? Large plants [of any kind] need more care when planted. They can suffer some stress anyway, even if they're in a perfect location. 

Kitty 2

I agree that it looks like environmental damage such as sun scorch, rather than a fungal disease.

Darren8

Many thanks Fairygirl & Kitty. Looking at it, the leaves round the back that are more shaded are hardly affected so it would all seem to make sense. Ah well...at least thanks to you two I've caught it early & can move it to somewhere more appropriate. Shall I just leave the affected leaves as they are & let nature take its course? 

Kitty 2

I would leave them on, it's minimal damage.
Take care not to splash the leaves when watering, any droplets can turn into tiny magnifying glasses in strong sunshine.

Papi Jo

Kitty 2 said:

I would leave them on, it's minimal damage.
Take care not to splash the leaves when watering, any droplets can turn into tiny magnifying glasses in strong sunshine.

I believed in this too, until I read Nine gardening myths debunked in the Observer Gardening section. See MYTH 4 Sun through water burns leaves.

Other than that I confirm what has been said in reply to the OP's question. I have a young specimen of Acer japonicum ‘Aconitifolium’ planted under a pergola. Actually it's planted at the corner of a pergola and I found it was not totally protected from the summer scorching sun. So I extended the pergola and now it's happy! Picture below shows the scorched leaves 2 years ago.

Allotment Boy

Acers have very fine roots and even the most careful planting can stress them. Keep well watered for it's first season as a lot of "sun scorch" is actually due to it not being able to take up enough water.

autumnglory

I'd leave it where it is until it's roots are established. It's definitely sun scorch. If it is newly planted its roots won't have spread into the soil yet so it won't be able to take up the water it needs. 

Keep it well watered this year and hopefully by next year its roots will have spread out. Did you loosen any roots circling the pot when you planted it?

Kitty 2

I didn't know that Papi Jo, interesting article. 
My apologies for passing on false information Darren.

Darren8

Well, that's certainly added some food for thought. It's been in the ground a couple of weeks. Well watered in initially & again at least once a week. However, I don't think we've had more than a very minor downpour of rain in over a month here & not a drop since it was planted. I'm edging towards the "upping the watering regime significantly & seeing how it gets on" approach. And now I think on, it was rather potbound when i planted it which won't have helped. See, advice like you lot have given is why this place is far better than just trusting to Google!  

Rebecca110

Try the [email protected].  I hope you get the advice you need.