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Diseased maple tree #879004

Asked July 27, 2024, 11:35 AM EDT

Please see the attached photos. This is a tree on the side of my house in Littleton, CO. I believe it is some type of maple tree (?). I moved to CO 9/2023 and am new to this house and yard. Something is attacking my poor tree. I’m hoping you can tell me if it’s some form of disease or a pest and what I can do to help the tree recover; if possible.

Thank you for your advice and help,

Veronica Foley Wordle 1,134 4/6

Jefferson County Colorado

Expert Response

Good morning!

Thank you for reaching out! I have a few followup questions - when did you first notice this? Has anything been sprayed in the area? Can you send a few more photos - a close up of the spots and a picture of the entire tree?

Thanks so much!
Rachel

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 30, 2024, 9:08 AM EDT

Hi Rachel,

Thanks for responding so quickly. I’d say the poor tree has been like this since June (?). To my knowledge nothing has been sprayed on it. There are two different types of trees on either side of it that seem fine. Here’s the additional photos you requested.

Thanks for your help!

Veronica Foley

Sent from my iPad

On Jul 30, 2024, at 7:08 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied July 30, 2024, 2:11 PM EDT

Thank you for the close up! It looks like it could be a fungal infection - the round spots of dead tissue are common signs of a fungal issue. Would you be able to bring in a couple of leaves to our office so we can test if they are a fungus?

I am thinking it could be Maple Tar Spot - which is a fungus that really is just cosmetic on the plant. But I want to confirm!

If you would be able to bring in some leaves that would be amazing - Ideally a bunch of different leaves where the spots look a different age. If it is Maple Tar Spot there should be some leaves with darker black spots on them and we would love to see them. Our office is located at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds (15200 W 6th Ave Suite C, Golden, CO 80401) and we are open from Tuesday to Friday from 8-4pm. I would suggest bringing in a sample this Friday morning or next Tuesday.

Thanks so much!

Rachel

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 31, 2024, 4:14 PM EDT

I’d be happy to bring in some leaf samples on Friday morning! I have not seen black spots but I’ll take a closer look. Do I need an appointment? Thanks so much for your expert help. I really appreciate it; such a great community service!

Veronica Foley

Sent from my iPad

On Jul 31, 2024, at 2:14 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied July 31, 2024, 4:39 PM EDT

No appointment needed! It is a 20$ fee to drop off a sample.

Thanks so much!

Rachel

An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 01, 2024, 10:29 AM EDT

Good morning Rachel,

I’m just checking on the status of my maple leaf samples I dropped off at your office on 8/2/24. It was sample # 240057. Haven’t received any results yet.

Thanks,

Veronica

Sent from my iPad

On Aug 1, 2024, at 8:29 AM, Ask Extension wrote:

The Question Asker Replied August 23, 2024, 10:28 AM EDT

Diseased maple tree #879004

Expert Response

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