Japanese maple problem - Ask Extension
My Japanese maple develops white spots on its leaves shortly after budding in the spring. By autumn, they look like scorch marks. Is this anthracnose?
Knowledgebase
Japanese maple problem #210836
Asked September 05, 2014, 4:22 AM EDT
My Japanese maple develops white spots on its leaves shortly after budding in the spring. By autumn, they look like scorch marks. Is this anthracnose?
Clatsop County Oregon
Expert Response
Japanese maples are a lovely addition to a home landscape. They are considered "understory" trees. All that means is that they grow best in a partly shaded location. A tree in a less desirable location will be more susceptible to diseases and insects.
The leaf spot problem could be Phyllosticta Leaf Spot. http://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/maple-acer-spp-phyllosticta-leaf-spot
Or it could be anthracnose, which is also a fungal disease. Here's a link to info on that. http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/3000/3048.html
A healthy plant is less likely to be seriously harmed by diseases and insects.
Use drip irrigation, apply a slow, time-released fertilizer in late winter, and apply mulch around the root zone which will conserve soil moisture and lessen rain water splash to the leaves.
The majority of the leaves in the photo look very healthy. Unless, that was only the best looking part of the tree, I think you are already on the right track for having a healthy tree.
Enjoy the beauty.
The leaf spot problem could be Phyllosticta Leaf Spot. http://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/maple-acer-spp-phyllosticta-leaf-spot
Or it could be anthracnose, which is also a fungal disease. Here's a link to info on that. http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/3000/3048.html
A healthy plant is less likely to be seriously harmed by diseases and insects.
Use drip irrigation, apply a slow, time-released fertilizer in late winter, and apply mulch around the root zone which will conserve soil moisture and lessen rain water splash to the leaves.
The majority of the leaves in the photo look very healthy. Unless, that was only the best looking part of the tree, I think you are already on the right track for having a healthy tree.
Enjoy the beauty.
