Why are my Japanese maples losing branches every year?

Japanese maples can be beautiful for decades, but recurring branch dieback may signal serious freeze damage rather than simply old age. Here, the problem is sun scald, which can occur when sap begins moving during a warm period in the winter and then suddenly freezes. Rapid temperature changes or even morning sun on a frozen tree can cause cracks in the thin bark, disrupting the tree’s ability to move water and sugars between the roots and canopy. Japanese maples may survive for years after this damage, but continued branch loss can eventually weaken the entire tree. Learn how sun scald develops, why recent freezes can cause delayed damage, how to protect thin-barked trees from future injury, and when pruning or replacing a damaged Japanese maple may be the best option.

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Japanese Maple