Gardeners urged to add this simple natural layer to Japanese maples now or risk crisp brown leaves by autumn

From early May, experts at Mendocino Maples Nursery advise shifting focus from fertiliser to root care for stressed Japanese maples in hot UK summers. By July, many Japanese maples that looked perfect in spring suddenly show brown, crisp leaf edges and even bare twigs. How to mulch a Japanese maple for long‑lasting healthSo how to mulch a Japanese maple for long‑lasting health? Experts at Japanese Maples and Conifers add: "The time of day you water can also be important. Watering your Japanese maples early in the morning is ideal".