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Is this Acer type tree dead

LsinshirleyLsinshirley Posts: 71
in Plants
hi.  This tree was planted last year when the weather was very cold. Then we had a very dry summer. It looks dead to me. I think it should have leaves on it by now. 

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  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 86,107
    Think you’re right 😞 not only a drought last summer but a very dry winter and spring too. 
    How much water did it get last year and has it been watered this spring?

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • TheveggardenerTheveggardener Posts: 1,057
    My thoughts to. Both my Acer's are in leaf now.
  • LsinshirleyLsinshirley Posts: 71
    edited June 2019
    Thankyou both. My intention is to buy plants that dont need looking after. I didn’t water it this spring, I hang my head in shame. Hey ho, need to find something to replace it that can put up with lack of care. 🤔😍
  • BrexiteerBrexiteer Posts: 955
    As a dodo
  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,427
    Yes I am afraid the white colour on the branches means it's dead. Acers have a very fine root system & even when carefully transplanted they can take some time to establish, but this looks like an extreme case they don't usually die off completely. I think you were just unlucky with the conditions. On the coverage from Chelsea recently one Acer expert said even Acers in the ground need watering every week if there is no rain.
    AB Still learning

  • LsinshirleyLsinshirley Posts: 71
    Thankyou. Acers aren’t the plant for me then. Going to look for an alternative. Suggestion on alternatives welcomed. Don’t want anything huge. It needs to be able to take care of itself. 
  • RubytooRubytoo Posts: 1,367
    Could you say what kind of soil you have?
    That would help with suggestions.

    And do not say dry! :D
    Sorry your tree died.
    Anything you plant would need some preparation and watering until established. There are probably a good number of easy ones, but you would usually have to at least help it to start with,
  • LsinshirleyLsinshirley Posts: 71
    Rubytoo said:
    Could you say what kind of soil you have?
    That would help with suggestions.

    And do not say dry! :D
    Sorry your tree died.
    Anything you plant would need some preparation and watering until established. There are probably a good number of easy ones, but you would usually have to at least help it to start with,
    Clay soil. It has a high water table. Eg takes ages for water to drain. 🤔
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    Look into Euonymus Europaeus 'Red Cascade' or Euonymus Alatus. I think they will suit your soil better and generally easier to take care. 
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