Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Feel the top inch of soil to see if it is dry.
- Observe the tree during the hottest part of the afternoon.
- Check if the browning is only on the sun exposed side.
Likely causes
Sun or Wind Scorch
Most likelyHow to tell: The edges and tips of the leaves turn brown and crispy while the veins stay green. This often happens on the side of the tree facing the hot afternoon sun.
What to do: Move the tree to a spot with dappled shade if it is in a container. If it is in the ground, install a burlap screen or plant taller shrubs nearby to block harsh afternoon sun and drying winds.
Underwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The soil feels bone dry several inches down and the entire leaf may eventually wilt. The browning starts at the tips and moves inward.
What to do: Water your tree deeply every 3 to 7 days when the top inch of soil feels dry. Ensure the water reaches the entire root zone by soaking the ground slowly for 15 to 20 minutes.
Find out what's wrong with your japanese 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
It is normal for some older leaves to brown slightly in late summer. Worry if the browning spreads rapidly across the entire canopy or causes major leaf drop.
Stopping it coming back
Keep a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch around the base to hold in moisture. Always provide consistent water during hot, dry summer spells.
Japanese Maple: brown tips? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your japanese 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.
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Questions people ask
- Will the brown tips turn green again?
- No, once a leaf tip turns brown and crispy, it will not recover. You can trim the brown parts off with clean scissors if you do not like how they look.
- Should I fertilize to help the leaves?
- Avoid fertilizing a stressed tree. Extra nutrients can force new growth that the roots cannot support during a heatwave.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Japanese Maple
- Why are my Japanese Maple leaves curling up?
- Why is my Japanese Maple dropping its leaves?
- Why are my Japanese Maple leaves turning yellow?
- How do I get rid of pests on my Japanese Maple?
- Why is my Japanese Maple drooping?
- Why are there spots on my Japanese Maple leaves?
- How do I fix root rot on my Japanese Maple?
- Why is my Japanese Maple growing so leggy?
Back to the Japanese Maple guide
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.