Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Examine the soil for extreme dryness.
- Check if the tree was recently moved or planted.
- Look for signs of pests or disease on the fallen leaves.
Likely causes
Severe Drought
Most likelyHow to tell: Leaves wilt and fall off while still green or slightly yellow. The soil is completely dry and cracked.
What to do: Water the tree slowly and deeply to rehydrate the root system. Do not flood the tree, but ensure the water penetrates deep into the soil.
Transplant Shock
PossibleHow to tell: The tree was recently moved or planted and is shedding leaves to reduce water demand. This is common in the first season.
What to do: Keep the tree consistently moist but not soggy. Provide shade if possible and avoid pruning until the tree shows signs of recovery.
Find out what's wrong with your field maple
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
Leaf drop is normal in autumn as the tree goes dormant. Worry if the tree loses a significant amount of foliage during the growing season.
Stopping it coming back
Ensure the tree is well established with deep watering during its first 2 to 3 years in the ground.
Field Maple: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your field maple and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
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Questions people ask
- Is my tree dying if it loses leaves in summer?
- Not necessarily. It is likely stressed and trying to survive. With proper care, it should bounce back next season.
- Should I fertilize a tree that is dropping leaves?
- No. Fertilizing a stressed tree can force growth it cannot support. Focus on water and mulch instead.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Field Maple
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.