Red pustules, black spots and white coating on maple trees ring alarm bells for home gardeners. Such damage patterns are typical symptoms of fungal infestation. You can read about the underlying diseases and how to combat them here.

Tar spot disease is widespread on maples

Heal red pustular disease with the pruning shears - this is how it works

The unmistakable pattern of damage leaves no doubt that a maple tree has been infected with red pustule disease. Species that are usually weakened by improper pruning or care errors, such as sycamore and Norway maple, are affected. Fungicides are ineffective. The fight is less complicated than expected. You can read about typical symptoms and the right course of action here:

  • First signs in spring and summer: withered leaves and limp shoot tips, brownish bark
  • Unmistakable symptom: vermilion, tiny, round fruit bodies on branches and trunk
  • Control: Cut back into healthy wood

The best time for the healing cut is a dry, overcast day in September. It is important to note that you remove the clippings completely from the garden. Otherwise, the insidious fungal spores will look for another victim.

Battle of tar spot disease - Goodbye black spots

The fungus Rhytisma acerinum causes one of the most common types of maple damage. In the rainy spring, the spores attack the lush green foliage and initially cause yellowish discoloration. As it progresses, shiny black, slightly raised spots with a yellow halo form, to which the disease owes its name.

The successful control uses a strategic error of the fungal pathogens. The infectious spores of the next generation do not develop until spring on the fallen leaves of the previous year. Affected gardeners consequently break the development cycle by removing all leaves in the fall.

Mildew fungi capitulate to fresh milk - Here's how

In the triumvirate of the most common causes of fungal infestation on maples, powdery mildew should not be missing. Mealy white fungal growth on the beautiful leaves is the classic symptom. In the early stages of infestation, you can combat the infection with fresh milk. Add 125 milliliters of fresh milk to 1 liter of water and spray all the maple leaves on the upper and lower sides until no more white deposits appear.

tips

Unfortunately, not all fungal diseases on the maple can be combated simply and without chemicals. Verticillium wilt can be identified by leaves and shoots dying in places within the tree crown. In the very early stages of infestation on the young maple, immediate transplanting may save the tree. In most cases you cannot avoid deforestation.

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Trees