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Sickly red maple #874628

Asked June 25, 2024, 12:40 PM EDT

Hi. I planted this red maple in the fall and it isn't looking very good. I asked the nursery where I bought it and they referred me to you. These photos were taken a week or two ago, and now the leaves still have the brown spots but I think they are looking even more shriveled. Can you identify the problem/disease, and if so, what can I do about it? Many thanks.

Grand Traverse County Michigan

Expert Response

Given the time of year and the presenting symptoms, this is likely anthracnose. Please see the following publications for more information, and let me know whether you have follow-up questions. Because this tree was newly planted in the fall, it will benefit from good cultural care, including not allowing lawn sprinklers to wet the foliage and providing supplemental irrigation during prolonged dry periods, equivalent to 1 inch of rain per week. All fallen leaves should be destroyed. Since the tree is not yet established, consider protective fungicide sprays next spring, as per the publications, below.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/maple_leaf_blister_and_anthracnose_two_foliar_diseases_that_can_appear_on_s

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/maple_anthracnose

https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/maple-anthracnose


Thank you for contacting Ask Extension! Replied June 25, 2024, 1:51 PM EDT
Hi Brent. Many thanks for your help!
On Tue, Jun 25, 2024 at 1:51 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 02, 2024, 7:57 AM EDT

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