Forum home› Problem solving

Black branch tips on Sango Kaku Acer

Edward.francisEdward.francis Posts: 89
in Problem solving
Hi everyone,

Our Sango Kaku is looking healthy with lots of new growth and leaves. On closer inspection this afternoon I noticed a few branches with black tips, which worried me slightly. I did prune it a few months back as there was some crazy growth last year. 

What has happened and what should I do about it?

Any ideas?

Ed

Posts

  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy North London Posts: 5,004
    As long as it's not on all of them I wouldn't worry too much. Let the leaves develop a bit more keep it moist but not too wet. Then you can take the dieback off. Acers naturally "shed" little branches sometimes quire a few in some seasons, it's almost as though the plant decides it doesn't need those bits and shuts off the sap to them. 
    AB Still learning

  • punkdocpunkdoc Sheffield, Derbyshire border.Posts: 11,320
    Hopefully just normal die back you can get with Acers, but maybe a sign of verticillium wilt, which is more serious.
    He calls her the chocolate girl
    Cause he thinks she melts when he touches her
    She knows she's the chocolate girl
    Cause she's broken up and swallowed
    And wrapped in bits of silver
  • PosyPosy Isle of Wight.Posts: 3,222
    With a bit of luck it's just wind damage from the chilly Easterlies we had recently.
  • Edward.francisEdward.francis Posts: 89
    Should I just leave it and do nothing? How will I know if it’s something more serious?

    thanks,

    Ed
  • FairygirlFairygirl west central ScotlandPosts: 46,342
    You'll just need to keep an eye on it. As said - it may be a sign of wilt, but it could easily just be the usual branch die off that they can get. Keep checking the whole plant to see that there aren't any more pieces turning like that.
    You can take off the dead bits as long as you don't go back into the live part. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....


  • Edward.francisEdward.francis Posts: 89
    There are some other branches like that. I will have a good look when I get back today and take some photos. 
  • Edward.francisEdward.francis Posts: 89
    There are only a few areas with blackening. I’ve posted some photographs below. When you say take off the dead bits but don’t go back into the live plant, what do you mean? 

    Many thanks

  • FairygirlFairygirl west central ScotlandPosts: 46,342
    Where the stem becomes red again - that's the viable growth. Don't cut back into that  :)
    To be honest - that just looks like winter damage and nothing to really worry about.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....


  • punkdocpunkdoc Sheffield, Derbyshire border.Posts: 11,320
    I think that is ok.
    He calls her the chocolate girl
    Cause he thinks she melts when he touches her
    She knows she's the chocolate girl
    Cause she's broken up and swallowed
    And wrapped in bits of silver
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Billericay, EssexPosts: 8,550
    Just trim the black stems back to leave a stump of dead branch about 1" long. You don't want to cut into the live bit as it will bleed sap. But it is a thin branch, so no need to be over cautious.

    I have an acer with Verticillium Wilt.
    Initially you will see black marks on branches that look like black bruises, but the growth toward the end of the branch may still be alive. Then the alive bit will die back leaving shrivelled leaves.
    To confirm VW, the cut end of a branch will have black rings inside that are visible on the cut end. The branches on your tree are probably too thin to notice that though.

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Sign In or Register to comment.