Knowledgebase
white spots on bark of sugar maple tree #764530
Asked July 29, 2021, 2:43 AM EDT
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
The spots on the tree are most likely lichen. They are not harmful. The other signs-small leaves, turning fall colors and dropping leaves/small branches-are most likely due to drought conditions.
Watering the tree until the ground freezes will help, but may not reverse the symptoms caused by the high dry temps.
Lichens: https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/maple/branchespatches.html
Drought:
https://extension.umn.edu/natural-resources-news/avoid-pruning-drought-stressed-trees
From: Ask <<personal data hidden>>
To: Larry <<personal data hidden>>
Date: Monday, 2 August 2021 12:31 PM CDT
Subject: Re: white spots on bark of sugar maple tree (#0034461)
It’s difficult to say if they will be a problem. If the basement has cracks in the wall or foundation, it is possible that the roots will invade those. Maples trees have rather shallow roots so seeing a few above ground is not unusual. Cutting one or two should not be a problem. See: https://www.purdue.edu/fnr/extension/question-can-tree-roots-cause-damage-to-a-homes-foundation/