Trident Maple Concerns

[sketchylemons]

I'm zone 8a. I had my neighbor water my maples while I was on vacation for 8 days. I think I made the mistake of putting some biogold down before I left when the buds were fairly new. I should have waited for the first flush. The first two photos with the wilted, weak leaves are from May 2nd. The other 3 photos where the leaves look less wilted are from today, May 11th. They look a little better as I have been conservative with watering and let the soil dry out. Any idea what's going on with my trident? The leaves have that redish outline around them and just don't look full. Do you think it's too late for a repot? It's been 2 years since a repot and the soil is mostly akadama. Not sure if it was overwatered or underwatered. I've read some peoples tridents who live in the same zone as me act the same during spring. This is the first spring where my trident has done this so I am a little worried.

 

[shirleytheviola]

It is normal in early spring for trident maples to appear droopy as new leaves grow in. As they harden off, they begin to look more normal. Picture #4, however, shows some leaves with discolored tips, possibly indicative of watering issues?

 

[sketchylemons]

It is normal in early spring for trident maples to appear droopy as new leaves grow in. As they harden off, they begin to look more normal. Picture #4, however, shows some leaves with discolored tips, possibly indicative of watering issues?

Too much watering or too little?

 

[RaginCajun]

Too much water. I wouldn’t do anything to it since it’s already stressed. Let the soil dry out some more between waterings and it should bounce right back.

 

[sketchylemons]

Too much water. I wouldn’t do anything to it since it’s already stressed. Let the soil dry out some more between waterings and it should bounce right back.

I eased up on the watering since I got back from vacation and the condition of the leaves drastically improved already (first two photos vs last three photos). I have some rain in the forecast so I may put it in a covered area so it doesn't get too soggy.

 

[River's Edge]

I'm zone 8a. I had my neighbor water my maples while I was on vacation for 8 days. I think I made the mistake of putting some biogold down before I left when the buds were fairly new. I should have waited for the first flush. The first two photos with the wilted, weak leaves are from May 2nd. The other 3 photos where the leaves look less wilted are from today, May 11th. They look a little better as I have been conservative with watering and let the soil dry out. Any idea what's going on with my trident? The leaves have that redish outline around them and just don't look full. Do you think it's too late for a repot? It's been 2 years since a repot and the soil is mostly akadama. Not sure if it was overwatered or underwatered. I've read some peoples tridents who live in the same zone as me act the same during spring. This is the first spring where my trident has done this so I am a little worried.

If you have experienced the same cool weather in the PNW that we have this spring I believe that is a contributing factor for the tridents appearance. I would monitor the watering carefully as others have suggested. But I would also check carefully for any signs of insect issues. The pebbly look can often be am initial sign of infestation. Check the undersides of the leaves most carefully for eggs or larvae. This time of year they can crop up quickly!