New Maple Died

[Apex37]

So I purchased a small maple about 3 weeks ago and I'm not sure if it was a bad graft, or I just can't keep it alive or what but it's already dead. I watered it about every 2-3 days depending and was in about 6 hours of direct sun. It never actually budded or shown any signs of new leaves coming in. In these situations am I just kinda out of luck? Do I contact the local bonsai store I purchased from? Pretty bummed as this was a birthday gift my partner got for me. :/

I don't particularly know the best policy or what is considered proper etiquette as this is all new for me.

 

[SeanS]

Could you post a photo of the tree?
Are you saying it was still dormant and didn’t push out any new foliage? Maybe it’s still dormant? How do you know it’s dead?

 

[Apex37]

Could you post a photo of the tree?
Are you saying it was still dormant and didn’t push out any new foliage? Maybe it’s still dormant? How do you know it’s dead?

It's an Aratama, which I read is one of the first to bloom in spring, but of course that doesn't mean everything. I scratched decently into the bark and got brown.

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Hmm... sounds problematic. 3 weeks is getting pretty far down the line for a return. Also pretty slow for coming ot of dormancy in your area. We are behind you and I just finished working 48 maples and all be the ones in the coldest storage area are pushing leaves and the rest are budded.

The key is if the tree branches still have color green or red on maples, or has turned grey or white, which would say it’s likely given up the ghost.

Id call them for advice to get a marker in on the situation. Perhaps it is still dormant.

If it’s dead your best rationale for a return is it hasn’t budded out at all.

But do post a couple good photos for us to look at.

cheers
DSD sends

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

It has budded, but these look quite a bit iffy. Call the store and send these photos and see what they think. A reputable store will replace the tree or credit you.

Heres a comparison of some of my lil guys.


cheers
DSD sends

 

[leatherback]

Maybe post a picture.

How certain are you it is dead?

 

[AlainK]

To me, from the photos I can see, it's in a very bad condition if not dead.

If I were you, I'd go back to the seller and get a refund, or a replacement.

Then you'll know if they're reliable people, and post about them everywhere you can.

 

[BonsaiDTLA]

post about them everywhere you can.

Good or bad! Too often, its always the bad news and not enough good news. Humans tend to remember the negative, businesses suffer, bonsai dealers suffer!

 

[MrWunderful]

Arakawa Maple?

 

[Apex37]

Good or bad! Too often, its always the bad news and not enough good news. Humans tend to remember the negative, businesses suffer, bonsai dealers suffer!

Agreed! I love this store, been going there for years. I suspect if anything that ice storm we had from last month did it in before I got it and it didn't show signs until when everything should be waking up. That storm killed a lot of plants in our area. I'm still not sure about my palm in front of my home; it has to be at least 30 years old.

 

[Apex37]

Arakawa Maple?

Aratama

Acer palmatum 'Aratama' - Japanese Maples › Palmatum | Maplestone Ornamentals

I really liked the red and green leaves.

 

[Hack Yeah!]

Ice storm... chalk it up, go buy you a new one, if the original one comes back to life... you're going to need more trees to love anyway! Good luck

 

[MrWunderful]

Aratama

Acer palmatum 'Aratama' - Japanese Maples › Palmatum | Maplestone Ornamentals

I really liked the red and green leaves.

Interesting, never heard of it. Looks similar to a bloodgood to me.

But yeah yours might be a goner.