Black spots on tree leaves - Ask Extension
Hello, we bought a new house this year and noticed the last couple weeks that one of the trees has leaves falling that have black spots all over them....
Knowledgebase
Black spots on tree leaves #919823
Asked October 13, 2025, 8:48 AM EDT
Hello, we bought a new house this year and noticed the last couple weeks that one of the trees has leaves falling that have black spots all over them. I’ve never seen anything like it. I’m not sure what it is. trying to figure out what to do. any help would be appreciated on identifying what it is and recommendations
Lucas County Ohio
Expert Response
This appears to be Maple Tar Spot (who'da thought of such a simple name!). And generally speaking it is nothing serious. Clean up, proper disposal and time should address the fungus. I have attached two fact sheets produced by The Ohio State University and Iowa State that should be informative and helpful to you:
Signs and Symptoms: A Tale of Two Tar Spots | BYGL
Maple Tar Spot | Yard and Garden
Best of luck to you.
