Will my Japanese Maple recover from frostbite this year?

Question

All of the new leaves on the trees died. Will they return this year?

Answer 1

Yes, Mother Nature keeps reserve buds just for these situations. The leaves may be a bit smaller than normal and weaker twigs that don't have the food reserves may just fail entirely. Wait until all the new leaves are out and working before deciding what didn't make it and needs removing. This secondary leaf push out is a big energy drain on the plant, so don't be doing silly things with it this year......like severe pruning.

Answer 2

Yes, eventually the leaves will return. The new leaves have died because frost is traumatic for any tree or vegetation. In the case of many growing trees, growing might be stunted and all leaves will die. This is why severe frosts cause problems for fruit tree owners. Trees may not produce fruit after a frost, causing a losss of money Leaves might take a while to grow back, but they will. You might want to try pruning off any dead branches and making sure that the tree has enought water.
But you should see new leaves starting to grow as soon as the weather becomes warmer, and the tree is less dormant.

Answer 3

The same question was asked by another on our local TV station.

Our resident garden guru, said not to worry and they will recover, it is early enough in the season for them to recover.

She also said that they are very suseptible to frost.
I was wondering the same thing myself, until she gave the answer. Mine looks real bad at the moment. good luck