Maple Tree problems - Ask Extension
For the second year in a row my maple tree has started shedding its leaves. The leaves have a sticky substance on them. Any suggestions as to what I...
Knowledgebase
Maple Tree problems #873107
Asked June 14, 2024, 12:34 PM EDT
For the second year in a row my maple tree has started shedding its leaves. The leaves have a sticky substance on them. Any suggestions as to what I can do to diagnose and remedy this problem would be very much appreciated.
Marion County Oregon
Expert Response
Dear Susan,
Thank you for contacting us about your maple tree. From the photos, your tree appears to be healthy overall with no bare spots or disfigured leaves, but it is very difficult to diagnose a problem from photos.
Some degree of leaf drop is normal due to wind and storms. Another cause might be squirrels gathering nesting materials or foraging for seeds. Often several leaves will be attached to a single twig, and there is no pattern to the leaf drop.
Stress from adverse weather conditions may also cause leaves to drop. Sudden changes such as extremes in temperature or moisture will generally affect the entire tree more or less. This is usually accompanied by some sort of visible leaf damage such as browning, yellowing, or shriveling.
Certain pests can defoliate a tree; however, this often occurs in specific sections or branches, and this generally appears later in the season
Perhaps the most telling symptom is the sticky substance on the leaves. This could be sap escaping from the tree which is not usually a reason for concern, particularly in spring. However, it also could be honeydew, an excretion from insects with piercing mouthparts such as aphids, lace bugs, cicadas, and certain types of scale.
Damage from these insects may not be severe and they usually move on as the season moves on, but it would be best to confirm the cause. Things to look for include holes in the leaves, curling leaves, or small bumps (scale) on the leaves or twigs. It would be best to take an affected twig or small branch (with leaves attached) to your county Extension office or Master Gardener plant clinic for closer inspection:
Polk County Master Gardeners
https://www.polkmga.org/resources/help-desk-and-plant-clinics/
Polk County Extension Office
289 E. Ellendale, Suite 301
Dallas, OR 97338
<personal data hidden>
I hope this information is helpful. Please write anytime you have a gardening question.
Thank you for contacting us about your maple tree. From the photos, your tree appears to be healthy overall with no bare spots or disfigured leaves, but it is very difficult to diagnose a problem from photos.
Some degree of leaf drop is normal due to wind and storms. Another cause might be squirrels gathering nesting materials or foraging for seeds. Often several leaves will be attached to a single twig, and there is no pattern to the leaf drop.
Stress from adverse weather conditions may also cause leaves to drop. Sudden changes such as extremes in temperature or moisture will generally affect the entire tree more or less. This is usually accompanied by some sort of visible leaf damage such as browning, yellowing, or shriveling.
Certain pests can defoliate a tree; however, this often occurs in specific sections or branches, and this generally appears later in the season
Perhaps the most telling symptom is the sticky substance on the leaves. This could be sap escaping from the tree which is not usually a reason for concern, particularly in spring. However, it also could be honeydew, an excretion from insects with piercing mouthparts such as aphids, lace bugs, cicadas, and certain types of scale.
Damage from these insects may not be severe and they usually move on as the season moves on, but it would be best to confirm the cause. Things to look for include holes in the leaves, curling leaves, or small bumps (scale) on the leaves or twigs. It would be best to take an affected twig or small branch (with leaves attached) to your county Extension office or Master Gardener plant clinic for closer inspection:
Polk County Master Gardeners
https://www.polkmga.org/resources/help-desk-and-plant-clinics/
Polk County Extension Office
289 E. Ellendale, Suite 301
Dallas, OR 97338
<personal data hidden>
I hope this information is helpful. Please write anytime you have a gardening question.
