My leaves on my Japanese Maple tree have turned brown does this means its dead?

Question

My leaves on my Japanese Maple tree have turned brown does this means its dead?

Answer 1

Japanese Maples lose their leaves during winter,  even though they are not dead.  They can also do this during times of high stress, or unfavourable conditions.

They don't like high winds, or soil that has dried out, both of which will result in their leaves browning and death for them.  If your tree still has energy reserves within it, it will be able to resprout into growth, either this season or next spring time.

For now, check whether it has sufficient moisture available to it,  and water appropriately.  Add a feed too, after a week or so, especially if it starts to resprout leaves.  Don't fertilize whilst its roots are dry, as this can lead to more water loss, via the roots out into the soil.

A mulch over the soil surface will help prevent water evaporation, as well as help replenish nutrients back into the soil. if you use something like composted plant material for it.  

Keep checking that it is getting sufficient water,  shelter it if possible from strong winds which will dry it out,  and potentially move it during late fall or early spring, if its location is not ideal for it.  Keep it mulched, and fertilise regularly whilst it's building its strength back up.

Hope this helps.  Good luck!  Rob

Answer 2

if the whole leaf is brown and it happened pretty fast, like over a couple days, I'd look to see if the tree is sitting in water.... if so, it drowned and is a goner..... I've lost several that way... I have clay soil that doesn't drain well and until I learned better, I'd made basically a 'bowl' in the soil that held water on the roots and drowned my tree.....

Answer 3

if the leaves are dry and crisp they are dead.

look at the roots, some vermin could eat the roots.

look at the soil, may be too wet, or too dry.

when a new planted tree is in a sunny place it can be sun burned.

some insects can do harm to the tree.