SIlver maple disease - Ask Extension
Our 3+ ft diameter silver maple suddenly (within last day or 2!!) is showing black leaf wilting, with dots showing on the underside of the leaves...
Knowledgebase
SIlver maple disease #641949
Asked May 27, 2020, 3:59 PM EDT
Our 3+ ft diameter silver maple suddenly (within last day or 2!!) is showing black leaf wilting, with dots showing on the underside of the leaves. It seems to be going even to the highest branches.
What are the chances the tree will die? We're just ready to sow shade grass seed under it … after much work and money (thousands). If tree is dying, we may hold off on seeding!
THANKS!
Baltimore County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi - This looks like a combination of cold damage from the late frosts as well as anthracnose, a fungal disease that is active now on shade trees due to the wet, cool spring weather. Here is information about management of this disease. https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/shade-tree-anthracnose-trees
Mature trees produce an excess number of leaves and can typically sustain some of this damage. Any of the leaves that still have green tissue will continue to conduct photosynthesis and generate food/energy for the tree to survive.
With regard do sowing grass under the tree, we want to caution you that mature silver maples take up a lot of moisture from the soil and it can be a challenge to establish grass underneath. In general, turfgrass does not grow well under mature shade trees. Consider using a mulch layer around the base area of the tree and plant grass further out (past the canopy). Here is our page about growing grass in the shade, https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/growing-grass-shade
Christa
Mature trees produce an excess number of leaves and can typically sustain some of this damage. Any of the leaves that still have green tissue will continue to conduct photosynthesis and generate food/energy for the tree to survive.
With regard do sowing grass under the tree, we want to caution you that mature silver maples take up a lot of moisture from the soil and it can be a challenge to establish grass underneath. In general, turfgrass does not grow well under mature shade trees. Consider using a mulch layer around the base area of the tree and plant grass further out (past the canopy). Here is our page about growing grass in the shade, https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/growing-grass-shade
Christa
Thanks for your help, Christa.
We know all about trying to grow turf grass with those extensive shallow roots and a dense canopy, but it's become a religious crusade for my wife! This is the last hurrah after more than 20 years. If it doesn't work this year . . . when we'll be home all summer to water, tend to it, etc . . . it'll be more mondo grass, more ground cover, and maybe even high-end Astroturf!
Thanks again.
We know all about trying to grow turf grass with those extensive shallow roots and a dense canopy, but it's become a religious crusade for my wife! This is the last hurrah after more than 20 years. If it doesn't work this year . . . when we'll be home all summer to water, tend to it, etc . . . it'll be more mondo grass, more ground cover, and maybe even high-end Astroturf!
Thanks again.
