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21-07-2003, 09:34 AM

The message
from (Simon) contains these words:

I have a fairly large japanese Acer which is in a large pot on my
patio. Its about 5 foot in height. Unfortunately I've neglected to
water it enough in this hot weather and the leaves have partially
shrivelled up. Not all of them, but around 80%. The larger leaves
nearer the top seem least affected. All the leaves on the branches up
to two thirds up seems to be all affected.

I've never shaped the tree since it was first bought. It had doubled
in height and seemed to be doing very nicely. I've given the plant
lots of water now. But should I do anything else? Should I prune any
dead leaves away or just let them drop of naturally? Is this an
opportunity to prune the tree into a more traditional shape. Its
currently rather tall and narrow for an acer. I'd quite like it to be
more short and rounded like the expensive ones!

Any advice and assistance would be appreciated.

Si

Let it recover from the shock before any major pruning. I would consider
putting it in shade and removing SOME of the foliage to reduce the
transpiration requirements therefore needing less moisture. Pruning is
going to be in Spring I think.

They do get hammered if you don`t water them. Gotta be carefull
(Experience talking there as my dad lost a stunning Acer palmatum
"Desojo" due to lack of watering and it cost me the best part of £100)