Sugar Maple Leaf Black & Latticed - Ask Extension
We have what appears to be a healthy sugar maple. Today I noticed leaves on the ground that are black and full of lattice-type holes. Do we need to...
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Sugar Maple Leaf Black & Latticed #880045
Asked August 03, 2024, 3:19 PM EDT
We have what appears to be a healthy sugar maple. Today I noticed leaves on the ground that are black and full of lattice-type holes.
Do we need to be concerned?
Washtenaw County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Cathy,
The leaves have anthracnose and what looks like the early signs of tar spot.
Here are details on how to minimize anthracnose next year-
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/maple_leaf_blister_and_anthracnose_two_foliar_diseases_that_can_appear_on_s
Here are details on tar spot- https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/forest_health/diseases/tar_leaf_spot_on_norway_maple.htm#:~:text=All%20species%20of%20maples%20in,other%20species%20of%20Rhytisma%20(R.
Both diseases are cosmetic issues and do not warrant treatment on otherwise healthy, well established trees. In spring seasons that are on the drier side, the diseases are less prevalent.
The leaves have anthracnose and what looks like the early signs of tar spot.
Here are details on how to minimize anthracnose next year-
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/maple_leaf_blister_and_anthracnose_two_foliar_diseases_that_can_appear_on_s
Here are details on tar spot- https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/forest_health/diseases/tar_leaf_spot_on_norway_maple.htm#:~:text=All%20species%20of%20maples%20in,other%20species%20of%20Rhytisma%20(R.
Both diseases are cosmetic issues and do not warrant treatment on otherwise healthy, well established trees. In spring seasons that are on the drier side, the diseases are less prevalent.
