japanese maple

[kia cat]

I thought my newly planted red maple had been hit by the frost. The leaves are shrivelled, however underneath a lot of hem have cobwebs on them. Can't see anything in the web, but something has taken a liking to it.

Some new leaves are trying to emerge, so do I leave it alone to struggle on or spray it? It cost over £25, so I don't want to lose it. Any treatments need to be pet friendly. Thanks

[rowanwitch]

Red spider mite? give it a really good wash down with the hose, and treat with a general insecticide, feed well with shrub food or fish blood and bone and keep an eye out for re-infestation,,,, is it near a wall if so it might be worth moving it if it isn't too established as the little devils love a nice bit of brickwork

[kia cat]

Thanks rowanwitch - I'l give it the treatment.

[hammerman]

I think you may be barking up the wrong tree a bit Rowanwitch. Red spider mite does not live on or anywhere near brickwork. RSM is usually a greenhouse pest that likes hot, dry conditions. It doesn't tolerate cool, damp or humid conditions nor does it like our weather.

Frost, wind, drought and sun can scorch maple leaves so keep it sheltered and watered and in a semi shaded part of the garden. They don't have many pests although i would guess that scale insects could affect them. The webs you talk of are probably just normal garden spiders.

Good luck