Maple Tree Leaf Disease

Maple tree leaf disease occurs on nearly all maple trees, with some species more susceptible than other types.

Sugar maples and others can get leaf diseases.

Maples trees are generally very hardy and disease resistant, but there are some maple tree diseases that can affect the leaves. The most common diseases are anthracnose, phyllosticta and tar spot.

The good news about leaf diseases is that they rarely kill the trees. While the trees may look unappealing, at best they'll just have funny spots on the leaves for a season. At worst, as in case when anthracnose has really taken hold of a tree and defoliated it completely, you might lose the tree entirely.

These disease don't just affects maples. They also harm sycamores, dogwoods, and many other shade trees. If you notices these diseases on your other trees, take precautions as they can spread to maple trees.

Anthracnose refers to a group of diseases caused by fungi. Anthracnose can affect many shade trees. On maple trees, it causes brown or purplish-brown spots and stripes near the veins on the leaves. The tree may lose its leaves prematurely. If the disease cycle repeats year after year, the tree may be stunted or deformed because it cannot keep its leaves long enough to grow.

Anthracnose spreads by airborne fungus and is especially prevalent during a wet or rainy spring. In maple trees, it's spread in April or May in most gardening zones. Wind blows through the infected trees, spreading spores onto new maple trees. Wet springs provide the ideal conditions for anthracnose spores to take hold.

To prevent anthracnose, it's important to rake up all the fallen leaves each fall and compost them or burn them (if your area permits burning.) Fallen leaves provide the ideal breeding ground for anthracnose. Another options is having an arborist spray a special fungicide containing a chemical called mancozeb on the trees.

Like anthracnose, phyllosticta is caused by a fungus. Among the maple tree leaf disease types, phyllosticta is noticeable because it causes raised tan or dark brown leaf spots. The spots may turn dry and brittle and crumble away, leaving holes in the maple leaves.

As with anthracnose, the fungi that causes phyllosticta spends its winters hiding among the fallen leaves on the ground. It waits until the springtime, when damp conditions give it the opportunity to spread. Breezes carry the spores to new hosts. Rake up fallen leaves each autumn and discard them properly to prevent fungal diseases such as phyllosticta.

The third most common maple tree leaf disease is tar spot. As its name implies, tar spot disease looks like big black tar spots on the top of the leaves. It's caused by a fungus called Rhystima acerinum. Prevention is the key, and raking up the leaves will also keep tar spot at bay.

The best way to prevent maple tree leaf disease is to practice good tree care. Tree care starts in the spring with proper mulching, fertilizing and watering. This builds up a healthy tree able to withstand bacterial and fungal assault. Next, prune any dead branches and inspect trees regularly for diseases and insect infestations. Don't wait until the tree is half dead before calling a tree service or an arborist to inspect the trees. Lastly, always rake up the fallen leaves every autumn. Although this chore might seem like an annoyance, it prevents many common tree diseases.

For more information about maple trees, diseases and care, please see:

• Types of Maple Trees – Learn about the many beautiful types of maple trees available for the landscape.
• Maple Tree Planting – Your guide to the proper way to plant a maple tree.
• Maple Tree Pruning – Tips to prune your trees.
• Japanese Maple Tree Care – Special cultivation tips for Japanese maple trees.

• Winter Squash Plants Photos
• Sugar Maple Tree Picture
• What Plants Grow in Winter

• Gardenia Plant Care
• Jasmine
• How to Build an Outdoor Fireplace
• Honeysuckle
• Maple Tree Diseases