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Striped maple · Acer pensylvanicum

Why is my Striped maple losing its leaves?

Leaf drop on a Striped maple is often a sign of environmental stress or a reaction to extreme weather. Check the soil moisture first to rule out simple dehydration.

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Check these first

  1. Check the soil moisture to see if the tree is dry.
  2. Look at the fallen leaves for spots or signs of fungus.
  3. Observe if the leaf drop is happening all over or on specific branches.

Likely causes

  1. Heat stress

    Most likely

    How to tell: Leaves may turn brown at the edges before falling off during a hot, dry spell. This is common if the tree is in a spot that gets too much direct sun.

    What to do: Provide extra water during heat waves to keep the root zone cool. If possible, provide temporary shade with a cloth or screen during the hottest part of the day.

  2. Verticillium wilt

    Possible

    How to tell: This is less common for this plant, usually caused by soil pathogens. Leaves will yellow or brown and drop prematurely, often starting on one side of the tree.

    What to do: Remove and destroy any fallen leaves to keep the area clean. Prune out dead branches and provide deep, consistent watering to support the tree.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your striped 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 a few leaves to drop in late summer or autumn as the tree prepares for winter. It is only a worry if the tree loses a large amount of green leaves during the peak of summer.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the tree in a location with partial to full shade as it prefers. Mulch the base to keep the roots cool and retain soil moisture.

Striped maple: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your striped 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 my tree grow new leaves this year?
Usually not until the following spring. Focus on keeping the tree healthy so it can store energy for next year.
Is it normal for my maple to drop leaves in July?
No, that is usually a sign of heat stress or drought. Check your watering schedule immediately.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Striped maple

Back to the Striped 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.