Acer - Can anyone help identify this?

[Professor Peabody]

Apologies that this isn't GYO related but I am hoping some green fingered genius can identify this stuff that has appeared on the trunk and branches of my Mum's Japanese Maple.

If this is the wrong thread then please feel free to move.

Many Thanks in advance.

[pipkins]

Hi,

It is scale mite, I usually jet wash off with the hose.

[Professor Peabody]

Hi Pipkins,

Many thanks for that, Mum has sent Dad out into the garden armed with a hose

Does scale mite also make the leaves drop off early?

Thanks again

[Nicos]

My acer in a tub got a bit dry and dropped some of it's leaves- they also get verticillium wilt which also causes the ranches to die back
I had that in an Acer in my last house which was also south facing.
We had a tree surgeon in to lop another tree and I asked him about the Acer. Apparently they don't do well in full sun.
Given that- I'd suggest that as it's been a very hot summer, have the leaves scortched, or have the roots dried out?
It's difficult to tell the size of your tree, but that's my guess.
I did find this on Google- might be worth having a look around for more info?....

Problems of Japanese Maple

[Professor Peabody]

Thanks for the tips Nicos