What's eating my japanese maple 'osakazuki'?

Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki' follows the same Japanese maple pest profile: aphids are the most frequent attacker on new growth, with scale insects and gall mites as secondary issues. 'Osakazuki' is a vigorous cultivar and tolerates light infestations well. Water-blasting aphids early and applying winter oil for scale are sufficient for most gardens.

Suck sap from unfurling spring leaves and shoot tips, causing curling, discolouration, and sticky honeydew that attracts sooty mould fungi. Blast with water — most effective and safe for maple foliage. Prune out dense infested tip growth. Attract natural predators with nearby flowering plants.

Hard or cottony encrustations on bark that drain plant energy; dieback of smaller branches in heavy, multi-season infestations. Spray with horticultural oil in late winter before bud break. Repeat spray targeting spring crawlers. Good hygiene: remove dead and crowded branches.

Small red or green pimple galls on leaf surfaces appearing in spring and early summer; cosmetically unappealing but rarely damaging to tree health. No treatment needed for established, healthy trees. If severe, remove affected leaves. Maintain tree vigour with deep watering in dry periods and annual mulching.