Your tree is showing symptoms of a common disease that is occurring right now on many shade trees: anthracnose. It is most often seen on maples, sycamores, and oaks, and we have had quite a few inquiries about it this spring from various locations.

In most cases, this isn't a major health concern for mature trees. Usually, the symptoms ease up going into summer and the trees retain enough leaves to generate sufficient food reserves. This disease varies in severity from year to year, based on weather conditions. To be proactive for next year, you can rake up and discard any fallen leaves which will help reduce overwintering fungal spores. Rake and dispose of leaves this fall as well.

Since your county is experiencing abnormally dry conditions right now, keep up with watering your tree. Minimizing stress during drought will help to keep up your tree's defenses against diseases and pests. A light layer of mulch at the base of the tree under the canopy can help to retain soil moisture and improve soil quality in the root zone area too.

Christa

You're welcome.