Bloodgood Japanese Maple Disease - Ask Extension
We bought this Bloodgood maple from a nursery a year ago and planted it in our backyard. As this year has progressed, we've seen what looks like a f...
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Bloodgood Japanese Maple Disease #218725
Asked October 29, 2014, 10:08 AM EDT
We bought this Bloodgood maple from a nursery a year ago and planted it in our backyard. As this year has progressed, we've seen what looks like a fungal issue with about 1/4 to 1/3 of the foliage. It includes whitish-gray splotches and, on some leaves, lace-like patterns of holes. I'm also attaching a picture of the tree's bark to see if this looks affected or whether the variation is normal. The tree is probably about 8-10 years old judging by the height. Any counsel on what to do over the winter and how to prevent a reoccurrence next spring would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
Fairfax County Virginia
Expert Response
This is primarily powdery mildew (disease) on your maple leaves. It commonly occurs when conditions favor it, and affects many plants like lilac, phlox bloodgoods. Some plants are more susceptible than others, and it the disease load is not the same in all years, so it may not be as bad in the future.
The lacy holes are left over from feeding by Japanese Beetles.
This time of year foliage can look pretty ratty, but the tree has stored all the sugars it needs to survive the winter and thrive next season so it is not terribly concerning.
cm
The lacy holes are left over from feeding by Japanese Beetles.
This time of year foliage can look pretty ratty, but the tree has stored all the sugars it needs to survive the winter and thrive next season so it is not terribly concerning.
cm
Thanks - that's very helpful. A second issue we've wondered about is leaf color. When we planted the tree a year ago, the leaves were bright red. Now, as you see, they are almost a maroon color. Might this be a function of the fungal disease or does the color also co-vary somewhat with differing moisture and sun conditions in different years?
Yes, leaf color is variable depending on sun, temperature and moisture. This varies by species of plant. You may see some variation from year to year.
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