Pests or The Elements.

[Pearcy001]

Seeking guidance from the more knowledgeable if I may.

My Trident seems to have been having some leaf issues for some time now.

I am currently trying to work out if it is due to heat/wind burn, or some form of pest, whether it be bug or possum.

I seem to be having some leaf drop normally towards the tips of the branch. The petiole is remaining intact with the branch but the blade is falling away. There is a slightly blackened tip on the end of the petiole where the blade has fallen away but I'm am uncertain as to when the blackening began; causing the blade to fall or afterward in the sun.











Sorry for the quality of photo but I only have the phone camera..

On the other hand maybe I just have a super special tree, that does this to ramify its own branches right?





On another post re different issues with my Trident leaves (I don't want to hijack the their thread any more) Treeman came to this conclusion re the following photos of the deformed leaves to follow;

Look similar Brian? My Trident seems to be struggling too.









I initially thought it was just wind burn... now I'm not too sure.

Pearcy,
I'm not 100% sure about the others but I can guarantee that your particular tree is suffering from thrips attacking the unopened leaf buds. A few years back I had this very problem with ALL of my palmatums. It took me ages to discover what was going on. Finally I picked a couple of shoots off and examined them under magification. Sure enough tiny black thrips came out as I opened the buds. The distortion in the new leaves as they open is caused by thirps (tiny!) damaging the young leaf tissues when they are still closed. A couple of sprays with a good systemic or even malathion will see the new leaves back to normal from then on.
In fact I have noticed some tridents etc with this problem this year. It is usually some time after considerable damage is done when you notice it.

Could this be being caused by the same thing or is it entirely different again? I didn't think it could be getting too much sun as it is a 'hardy' Trident right? But to be honest I really have no idea, just want my tree healthy.

All ideas welcome and appreciated.

Cheers,
Pearcy.

[KIRKY]

Looking at the first 5 pictures I'd say somethings eating them. Looks like my J Maple after the possums have been thru it. All the tips have been "pruned" just like yours.
Cheers

[Pearcy001]

Looking at the first 5 pictures I'd say somethings eating them. Looks like my J Maple after the possums have been thru it. All the tips have been "pruned" just like yours.
Cheers

Yeah they appear only to be on the side facing outward. Might set up a sort of fishing line wall (there's wooden side walls already to block wind) to try deter the furry buggers in case it is them. There's plenty of ring tailed possums in the area. Thanks Kirky.

[KIRKY]

Yep, little ring tails here too. Been very naughty this year, just loving the new growth on the Maples. And the native orhids I have in the trees. Little buggers. I don't mind that so much but they have found themselves on the roof we are spraying and the sonic things as well but the are just rolling around i'm sure they've never chuckled so much. Good luck.
Cheers

[Pearcy001]

I don't mind that so much but they have found themselves on the roof

Looks like I'm screwed, my Bonsai are on my roof haha :D I'll have to google the sonic thing you speak of.

[KIRKY]

I was told by Bonsai people that they work really well for them trees being left alone. Personally dont waste your money. I have two, I think the possums think the flash is taking their photo, because its not stopping them. Heres what I got that was suggested, but like I said it does Jack! http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Bat-Rat-Poss ... xyTjNSjGOF
We also spray Scat from the big green shed and that does deter them. Doesn't hurt the trees only problem is when it rains you have to respray.
Cheers