Maple leaf spotting is mostly due to fungus and is not fatal to the tree

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In: Agriculture
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Date: Thu, 15 Aug 2013 10:43:59 -0400
From: “Tom Glendinning”
Subject: Re:  Maple Tree Diseases

To HW Queen

The maple tree sypmtoms you described in Chatlist 4725 are common.  A circular from the Connecticut Agriculture Station describes some of them.  For the most part, leaf infection is not fatal.  Fungal attack was favored this year with constant rains and temperatures above 80 degrees.  Maple leaf spotting is mostly due to fungus and is not fatal to the tree.  Verticillium wilt is a systemic fungal attack and could be fatal.

http://www.ct.gov/caes/lib/caes/documents/publications/fact_sheets/plant_pathology_and_ecology/common_diseases_of_maples.pdf

Al Cooke, our excellent retired horticulture agent, still works part time at the ag extension office.  Check with him for proper diagnosis.  There are several arborists practicing in the area if that level of treatment is required.

Tom Glendinning
NCLRB #59