Silver maple tree leaf loss - Ask Extension
A mature (80 years +) Silver Maple growing 100' uphill from lake edge is losing about 15% of its foliage to what might be tar spot. Leaves curl, dry a...
Knowledgebase
Silver maple tree leaf loss #834129
Asked June 06, 2023, 3:00 PM EDT
A mature (80 years +) Silver Maple growing 100' uphill from lake edge is losing about 15% of its foliage to what might be tar spot. Leaves curl, dry and fall to ground. They are accompanied by green worms, 3/4" long, with 8 (?) pairs of legs. Are these things related? Are they worrisome to the tree?
Livingston County Michigan
Expert Response
The insect larvae and the spots on the leaf are not associated. looks like you have the beginnings of a foliar disease known as Maple Leaf Blister (which looks a lot like Maple Anthracnose). Either way, this springs cool, wet weather was conducive for these diseases. Here is an article written by one of my colleagues that helps explain more...https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/maple_leaf_blister_and_anthracnose_two_foliar_diseases_that_can_appear_on_s
Good answer and much appreciated the reference to the article. Thank you for another question solved.
