T
The Daily Insight

Why is my Japanese maple bark splitting?

Author

David Jones

Published Jun 02, 2026

Why is my Japanese maple bark splitting?

Severe cold in late spring, after plant tissues have swollen, can cause bark to crack, split and fall away. Depending on the amount of bark damage, the problem may be correctable, or the tree may have to be removed. Prune away all damaged branches and stems, and continue routine tree care through the growing season.

Can you heal a split tree?

Will a split tree grow back together? Yes, a split tree can grow back together if the damage is not extensive and if you act fast. Using nuts and bolts, you can reattach the split trunk to offer support and allow nutrients to pass through.

What are the signs of a Japanese maple tree dying?

Japanese maples are likely to show signs of decline before dying from root rot diseases. These signs include dull leaf color and general lack of vigor. Without proper cultural care, Japanese maple trees become stressed, making them more susceptible to diseases such as root rot, as well as invasions from other pests and diseases.

What kind of disease does a Japanese maple have?

Japanese maples hate “wet feet,” so a combination of poor drainage and rain like we had in May can encourage a soil-borne fungal disease called phytophthora. This disease can kill trees branch by branch.

Are there any problems with Japanese maple bark?

Hopefully this will encompass sunburn, canker, fungal, bacterial and other unexplained issues like splitting and dieback. While we often see more than one problem present at a time, there is usually some underlying issue at the beginning.

How old is a palmatum labled Japanese maple?

The second and third photos are of a palmatum labled as ‘Aka shigitatsu sawa’ (not the true form) that is probably 7 years or better in age. You can see a similar bark issue on this tree and the dried leaves happened nearly overnight after about the 8th or 9th day here over 100 degrees. I saw the tree a few weeks back and it looked terrific.

Why are the leaves on my Japanese maple dying?

The Japanese maple tree is also very drought resistant. As a result, it can survive in very dry conditions. The Japanese maple tree grows in soil that is a little acidic. This is because the tree needs calcium to make its leaves. It grows in very cool, moist areas that have a lot of moisture and is not very common in very dry climates.

Is there a cure for Japanese maple disease?

There is unfortunately no cure for this disease, but of course most maples will not contract it. Japanese maples in particular, but other maples too, especially when young, can suddenly have the leaves dry out, first around the edges and sometimes the whole leaf.

What does a Japanese maple tree look like?

In fact, many Japanese gardens have this tree and many have even been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Japanese maple is an evergreen tree with dark green, glossy bark that looks very elegant. The branches are very wide and you can get to view many different branches from one tree.

What kind of disease does a maple tree have?

Verticillium Wilt on Maple Trees. This is a much more serious disease that affects all kinds of maples, but Sugar Maple and Silver Maple are the ones most commonly affected. It can also affect Japanese Maple. This disease is another fungus that enters through the roots and blocks the water passages inside the tree.