Knowledgebase

Anthracnose on Sugar Maple? #806358

Asked August 15, 2022, 1:40 PM EDT

Hi there! I work for a landscaping company in Mt. Pleasant and we have a customer that is having issues with some of the Maple trees we planted last fall. I've attached the photos she sent me. I was hoping for a little help with diagnosing the issues. We get a lot of calls this time of year about dying plants we installed and most of them are from poor watering practices (not enough / too much). This one has me a little concerned though. I believe all of the pictures are from the same 2 trees - Commemoration Sugar Maple. Your advice is much appreciated!

Isabella County Michigan

Expert Response

HI Anna, thanks for the question.

The leaves look like they are suffering from sun scorch, although bacterial scorch is also a possibility. Leaf damage on the top would suggest sun scorch, whereas leaf damage near the bottom or interior would more likely be bacterial scorch. The crack looks like a frost crack that may be infected with a fungus. Check out the following links:

Bacterial Leaf Scorch (psu.edu)

Leaf Scorch | The Morton Arboretum

sunscald-and-frost-cracks-on-trees_15_<personal data hidden>.pdf (uconn.edu)

I hope this is helpful.


An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 15, 2022, 10:43 PM EDT

Thank you for the quick response. However…

The link to UCONN’s page about sunscald and leaf scorch no longer works – leads to ‘Page not found’ screen.

I did find the page you were referring to at the below address:

 

https://homegarden.cahnr.uconn.edu/factsheets/frost-cracks-and-sunscald-on-trees/

 

Looks like they just moved it to a different location on their site

The other links work just fine! Thank you for the help!

 

Regards,

~Anna

 

From: askextension=<personal data hidden> <askextension=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: Monday, August 15, 2022 10:43 PM
To: Anna Weis <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Anthracnose on Sugar Maple? (#0076289)

 

The Question Asker Replied August 16, 2022, 9:44 AM EDT

Anna, thanks for the heads up.  I had the right link but apparently did not change it on the post.   I hope the info gave you some additional insight as to the problem.


An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 16, 2022, 1:58 PM EDT

No worries, I figured it out

She had a similar issue on a Corkscrew Willow, but it grew out of it after a couple weeks so I figured the issue was from the heat we’d been experiencing.

But the Maples had me a little concerned. I didn’t want to diagnose it incorrectly and make things worse or offer a replacement (they’re still under warranty) if it wasn’t necessary.

So yes, it was very helpful!

I’ll remember that diagnosis for next summer.

 

Thanks again,

~Anna

 

 

From: askextension=<personal data hidden> <askextension=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2022 1:58 PM
To: Anna Weis <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Anthracnose on Sugar Maple? (#0076289)

 

The Question Asker Replied August 16, 2022, 4:50 PM EDT

Loading ...