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Japanese Maple Care

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Question

What is the best way to care for a newly planted Bloodgood Japanese Maple? The leaves on mine are curling and becoming brown - is it getting too much sun? I'm in a foggier part of SF. Thank you.
Maria
San Francisco

Answer

Japanese Maples need protection in San Francisco.  They are quite susceptible to wind and salt burn.  They prefer to be planted on an eastern exposure that receives some morning sun and protection from the wind.  If you are within a few blocks of the ocean, you can expect salt burn on Japanese Maples regardless of the exposure or protection. I would recommend that you bring a sample of a few leaves into one of our stores just to ensure that the damage you describe is from wind or salt.  There are other ailments that they can get.

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