Knowledgebase

Disease spread #868846

Asked May 17, 2024, 10:30 AM EDT

We have a maple tree that has black on its trunk. It stands next to other Maple trees and the leaves now have developed black spots on the tree, which does not have a black trunk. Is this a disease? Does it spread from tree to tree? We have cherry trees near them, and it appears that the leaves are not doing well and the cherries that are coming fourth don’t look healthy.

Chester County Pennsylvania

Expert Response

None of these issues are likely related. How does the canopy of the maple look, generally healthy? The black on the trunk is sooty mold, which is harmless. It's an indication that insect feeding happened. Have you had spotted lanternflies in the past? If so, this is likely from that. See this fact sheet about sooty mold: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/sooty-mold

The maple leaves look like they have fungal leaf spots, which are largely harmless and just an aesthetic issue. Raking up and disposing of the leaves at the end of the season will lessen the disease pressure next spring.

The cherry also looks like it has a fungal leaf spot disease, which can be managed similarly. It's unlikely it's the same fungus that's affecting the maple, as these diseases are generally host specific. Keep an eye on the trees, and unless there's dieback, I wouldn't worry about the leaf spots causing harm.

Jill Pollok Replied May 20, 2024, 11:12 AM EDT
Thanks so much for your help. 

Blessings,

Paul
Sent from my iPhone

On May 20, 2024, at 11:12 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied May 22, 2024, 1:25 PM EDT

Loading ...