Impact of pool overflow on plants - Ask Extension
Hello!
I have a green Japanese maple tree that was approximately 6 feet tall and was planted 2 years ago. Initially, the plant thrived but this year...
Knowledgebase
Impact of pool overflow on plants #865066
Asked April 19, 2024, 7:56 AM EDT
Hello!
I have a green Japanese maple tree that was approximately 6 feet tall and was planted 2 years ago. Initially, the plant thrived but this year died. I also have a red Japanese maple tree in the same area that died. My neighbors have a in ground pool that overflows periodically could that have contributed to the death of the tree? Both trees are protected from deer and rabbit. I have large black walnut trees in the area.
Thank you!
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
There could be a combination of reasons for the loss of your maples and it will take some detective work to figure it out.
When did you start to notice any signs or symptoms on the trees before they died? Can you describe what you saw?
This page can help to narrow down the field:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/what-causes-trees-and-shrubs-die/
One of the major reasons that newly planted trees, shrubs and other plants fail is due to problems with planting or aftercare. Japanese Maple can also be sensitive to their placement. These articles on our Maryland Grows Blog will explain more:
https://marylandgrows.umd.edu/?s=japanese+maple
Maryland trees had a tough and stressful year last year as we had serious and long-lasting drought conditions. Trees and shrubs in the ground less than years ago were more likely to die unless supplemental water was offered regularly. J. maples are fairly shallow rooted so it would be even more stressful for them.
As far as your neighbor's pool being a contributing factor, it might depend on what type of system they have (chlorine/salt) and how much 'overflow' we are talking about- a splash or small amount once and a while, or a complete flooding inundation of the soil? Can you see a dead area of grass or other nearby plants in a 'flow'-type of pattern? If not, the pool probably didn't factor in.
Here is our watering information should be go through a dry season again this year:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/watering-trees-and-shrubs/
Christine
When did you start to notice any signs or symptoms on the trees before they died? Can you describe what you saw?
This page can help to narrow down the field:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/what-causes-trees-and-shrubs-die/
One of the major reasons that newly planted trees, shrubs and other plants fail is due to problems with planting or aftercare. Japanese Maple can also be sensitive to their placement. These articles on our Maryland Grows Blog will explain more:
https://marylandgrows.umd.edu/?s=japanese+maple
Maryland trees had a tough and stressful year last year as we had serious and long-lasting drought conditions. Trees and shrubs in the ground less than years ago were more likely to die unless supplemental water was offered regularly. J. maples are fairly shallow rooted so it would be even more stressful for them.
As far as your neighbor's pool being a contributing factor, it might depend on what type of system they have (chlorine/salt) and how much 'overflow' we are talking about- a splash or small amount once and a while, or a complete flooding inundation of the soil? Can you see a dead area of grass or other nearby plants in a 'flow'-type of pattern? If not, the pool probably didn't factor in.
Here is our watering information should be go through a dry season again this year:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/watering-trees-and-shrubs/
Christine
