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Japanese Maple Leaves Turning Green in Summer

A 25-year-old Japanese red maple in southern Maryland turned completely green this summer. Owner asks if drought is the cause.

Light, Not Drought

Red leaf color requires high light intensity. As the canopy densifies, inner leaves receive less light and turn green. This is normal—new outer leaves stay red; shaded inner leaves go green.

Seasonal Change

In fall, cooler temperatures and reduced chlorophyll reveal red pigments again.

Drought Effect

Drought can intensify color changes but the primary driver is shading. No action needed; the tree is healthy.

Trees: Japanese Maple Red Bug Infestation: Identification Request for Bark-Feeding Pest; Phyllosticta Leaf Spot on Red Sunset Maple: Spring Fungicide and Fertilizer; Glory Red Maple Leaf Browning in Florida: Transplant Shock vs. Drought; Red Maple Leaf Tip Burn: Nutrient Deficiency or Herbicide?; Red Maple Early Leaf Drop: Drought Stress & Winter Prep; Japanese Maple Borer: Trunk Spray or Soil Drench; Maple Bladder Galls: Cosmetic Mite Damage; Why 'Sunset' Maple Isn't Turning Red: Science and Solutions; Japanese Maple Leaf Scorch: Recovery and Prevention; 'Bloodgood' Japanese Maple Leaf Scorch: Needs Shade

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