What Are Those Spots on my Maple Trees?

We have been receiving a lot of phone calls in resent weeks about the peculiar spots and subsequent leave drop on maple trees. This is known as Tar Spot.

Tar Spot is not actually “tar”, but rather a fungal disease that occurs in late summer due to certain combinations of weather patterns. During late summer, black tar-like spots are formed on the upper surface of leaves within the yellow spots. Tar spots may cause premature defoliation, but are not known to kill trees.

There isn’t any registered fungicide that can prevent or cure this disease, however raking and destroying fallen leaves will help manage the problem because the fungi overwinters on the leaves.

If you are concerned about the health of your trees, its best to get the advice of an expert arborist.  Contact us today at (248) 349-4636 if you have concerns or questions.