Knowledgebase
What are these spots? (Trees) #874387
Asked June 24, 2024, 9:57 AM EDT
Charlevoix County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Margaret,
The red spots on the maple leaves are caused by Maple Bladder Gall. Read more here: https://extension.psu.edu/leaf-galls-on-maple#:~:text=Description,turn%20red%2C%20and%20eventually%20black.
The black spots are caused by Maple Tar Spot. Read more here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/why_do_my_maple_leaves_have_spots
Neither of these problems seriously affect the health of the tree. They are strictly a cosmetic issue. They rarely require control.
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.