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Autumn Blaze Maple disease #758138

Asked June 24, 2021, 12:21 PM EDT

Our two autumn blaze maple trees just developed leaves that have black areas. The leaves are blackening around some of the edges and in the middle and kinda rolling up. One tree in is beginning at the bottom. That tree is huge. We live in Alpena and have had very little rain or snow fall this past winter. We are in a drought. The smaller tree also has this impact. My brother who also lives in Alpena has this on this trees. Our neighbor has another kind of maple tree and those seem OK. Those trees had black spot for years but seem OK now. Could it be black spot? Any ideas? If caused by the drought, would it help to water the trees? See attached photos. Thanks for any insight you can give.

Alpena County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello,

 This looks like it could be maple leaf blister or anthracnose or a combination of the two. This is a fungal leaf disease and both are somewhat similar in symptoms and usually are not detrimental to the tree. The only way to be certain if a tree has one or the other or both is to send samples to a diagnostic laboratory, such as Michigan State University’s Plant & Pest Diagnostic lab, and have it confirmed. They will accept your pictures. You may want to give them a call for more information at:<personal data hidden>.

Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)

Water is very essential in keeping your trees healthy. Trees do need at least one inch of water per week when it is not provided by rain. Drought conditions add stress to the tree which can lead to pests and disease.

More information is at the following links.

Maple leaf blister and anthracnose: Two diseases of maple leaves - Landscaping (msu.edu)

Anthracnose Disease of Deciduous Shade Trees // Missouri Environment and Garden News Article // Integrated Pest Management, University of Missouri

I am including information regarding tar spot on maples for future reference.  It is too early in the season for this. 

Black dots on maple: Tar spot - MSU Extension

Trees Stressed Due to Drought? Know the Signs and What to Do | Purdue Extension Forestry & Natural Resources

Watering Trees and Shrubs | University of Maryland Extension (umd.edu)

By the way, the bumps that you see on the leaves are galls that are caused by mites and do not affect the overall health of the tree. More information below.

Maple Gall Mites (Eriophyidae) – Wisconsin Horticulture

Leaf Galls on Maple (psu.edu)

What are these ugly bumps on my tree’s leaves? - MSU Extension

Another option is to contact a certified arborist for an assessment on your trees. A certified arborist can be found by zip code at the following ISA website:

Find an Arborist (treesaregood.org)

I hope this helps you out. 

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 28, 2021, 10:29 AM EDT

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