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Distressed Maple Tree #765589

Asked August 03, 2021, 7:15 PM EDT

Please help identify this maple tree's issue(s). Alternatively, can you suggest an arborist or specialist we can hire to assist? What variety of maple is this? The tree has serious leaf loss and fungus (?) covering much of it. Please see the attached photos. What additional information can I offer that might help?

Ottawa County Michigan

Expert Response

Good Morning,

It looks like a sugar maple.   Early June is when maple petiole borer larvae finish feeding in the petioles of maple leaves, causing the blackened, restricted petiole (leaf stems) to break and the leaf to fall. The stems usually break at a darkened area near the leaf blade. Usually infestations are limited to sugar maples and only about 25 to 30 percent or less of the leaves fall to the ground. While spectacular, the leaf drop has little effect on tree health.

Lichens, which you see on your bark, are two-part organisms that are self-sufficient and harmless to their hosts. 

You can find a certified arborist by zip code here- www.treesaregood.org

I hope this helps.

Thanks for using our service.

My maple tree is dropping leaves, what’s wrong? - MSU Extension

Maple tree ID - Massachusetts Maple Producers Association | Massachusetts Maple Producers Association (massmaple.org)

Maple leaf blister and anthracnose: Two diseases of maple leaves - Landscaping (msu.edu)

What are lichens and what are they doing on my tree? - MSU Extension

V/r, Replied August 06, 2021, 7:21 AM EDT

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