Have you noticed your Maple trees dropping leaves early this Spring with black spots or lesions on the leaf? If so, you’re not alone. We have had an influx of calls regarding this issue so far this Spring and honestly, we’re not surprised.
All of the rain and moisture we have been experiencing recently has made it the perfect breeding ground for many fungal diseases, including Maple tar spot. Initially, small, pale yellow spots appear on the leaves and eventually enlarge and turn darker in color. You see effected foliage mostly in the lower portion of the canopy.
Fortunately Maple tar spot is not typically a huge concern for overall tree health, however it can be indicative that it might be time to prune your Maple to help increase airflow throughout the canopy which should help reduce disease pressure.
Trees that are experiencing a high volume of damage due to tar spot, or are chronically infected each year can be treated proactively in the Spring with foliar fungicide applications. Other treatment options include potential growth regulation to help alleviate stress due to diminished photosynthesis and early leaf drop.