Knowledgebase
Brandywine red maple — new tree questions #749916
Asked May 14, 2021, 12:40 PM EDT
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
Hello Wendy,
This appears to be a leaf spot caused by Anthracnose, a group of pathogens that cause leaf-spotting symptoms on various tree species. While this may sound alarming, they are usually not very impactful on the tree's overall health, even if the tree prematurely sheds any heavily-infected foliage. (We don't see signs of concerning levels of infection here. Plus, there is enough healthy leaf tissue to supply the tree's photosynthetic needs.) Fungicides aren't effective once symptoms appear and in your case, they likely aren't needed as a preventative measure since the infection looks light and should stop progressing with warmer, drier weather.
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/anthracnose-diseases-shade-trees
The trunk gash could be from an array of causes, but it doesn't look serious at this point. Frost cracks due to rapid temperature swings in the tissues during the colder months, growth cracks, and injury from deer antlers or mowing equipment all can cause similar-looking wounds. Nothing needs to be done, but you can monitor for its expansion and keep an eye out for more concerning symptoms like wilted/collapsed foliage and branch dieback. Wound-coating paints/tar are not recommended and may even be detrimental, so all you can do is see if it seals on its own.
The branch scars actually look like old, well-sealed cicada egg-laying scars from a prior year. (Not all cicada egg-laying damage results in twig death.) Nursery stock is often grown in more than one state (or at least at out-of-state wholesale farms) before it's ready for sale, so this tree could have been growing elsewhere during a different brood's emergence one or more years ago. Either way, the scars appear "healed" (insofar as plants are capable of healing) and not a concern. If you are worried that they may pose a breakage threat years in the future as the branches increase in weight, and if this is the only location for such scars, you could trim that branch off. If doing this, see the section Proper Pruning Cuts on this page so you know where to cut to avoid harming the branch collar: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/pruning-trees Otherwise, this similarly requires no intervention.
Miri
Thank you again,
You're welcome!