Knowledgebase
LEAF PROBLEMS #870271
Asked May 27, 2024, 12:42 PM EDT
HERE ARE TWO PHOTOS OF TWO LEAF PROBLEMS. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO CORRECT THEM. ONCE IS OF A MAPLE AND THE OTHER A ROSE.
MANY THAKS FOR YOUR HELP.
V
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
The maple leaf has maple tar spot. It is mainly a cosmetic problem and does not need to be treated. Many types of maples get tar spot every year in Michigan. It's almost impossible to prevent because there are so many maple trees in the landscape and spores overwinter on leaves on the ground. The best you can do is rake up the leaves in the fall and dispose of them (city compost is a good option).
Here is an article on tar spot on maples.
Another article with more pictures.
The rose leaf looks like it is being damaged by rose sawfly. If you look at the underside of the leaf, you might see the larva that is eating the leaf (it looks like a caterpillar). You can help control them by picking them off and dropping them in soapy water. Here is an article from University of Wisconsin with more information about managing them and photos.