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Variegated Maple leaves brown in the center #909888

Asked July 15, 2025, 8:19 AM EDT

Hi All: Am I over watering or underwatering my Variegated Maple if the leaves are turning brown in the center of the leaf?

Scott County Minnesota

Expert Response

The brown spots are evidence of a leaf spot disease called anthracnose. The spots may be unsightly, but anthracnose seldom affects tree health and no control is needed.

Learn more here:

https://www.maine.gov/dacf/php/gotpests/diseases/anthracnose.htm

https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/anthracnose-trees-and-shrubs

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 15, 2025, 12:39 PM EDT

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This work is supported in part by New Technologies for Ag Extension grant no. 2020-41595-30123 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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