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Maple Tree Leaves stunted #875513
Asked July 01, 2024, 1:59 PM EDT
Several maple trees are suffering from some disease or insect which is causing the leaves to be very small and almost fuzzy. Branches become leafless the farther they are from the trunk. Attached are two photos of one of the affected trees. One was taken in 2023 and the other was taken in 2024. I treated it with an imidacloprid drench both years, and while the 2024 photo looks better, I am not sure whether the treatment actually had an impact. I am wondering what the problem is and whether there is a treatment. These photos are from the northern lower peninsula, but now that I am aware of the problem, I have seen similarly afflicted maple trees in southwest Michigan.
Antrim County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Gregory, thanks for the question.
Smaller than normal leaves that are hairy (many trichomes) is an indication of a stressed tree. This could be insects, disease, weather, water, soil compaction, or other stressors. A definitive diagnosis from the pictures is not possible; however, the symptoms seem to indicate that this could be Sapstreak Disease. It attacks maples and box elder trees. The symptoms include have thining crown, stunted foliage, and branch dieback. There does not appear to be a treatment for this disease. It would be a good idea to consult a certified arborist (Find an Arborist (treesaregood.org)). Check out the following links:
Identify and Manage Sapstreak Disease on trees and shrubs (purdueplantdoctor.com)
I hope this is helpful.