What's eating my acer japonicum 'aconitifolium'?

Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium' (fullmoon maple) is susceptible to aphids on shoot tips and scale insects on its smooth bark. Vine weevil grubs threaten container specimens. The finely dissected leaves show sooty mould from aphid honeydew very clearly. Aphids are the most frequent pest — monitor bud break and treat with insecticidal soap at first sign.

Infestations on emerging shoot tips; honeydew and sooty mould disfigure the ornamental foliage below Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil at bud break; encourage natural predators; remove heavily infested tips by hand

Waxy bumps on stems and bark; sustained infestations cause branch die-back and reduced vigour Apply horticultural oil in late winter; scrub visible scales off with a soft toothbrush and soapy water

Root damage in containers causing wilting; adults notch leaf margins at night Drench container compost with Steinernema kraussei nematodes in late summer; repot annually and destroy grubs found