OT- Spotty maple tree?

Maples that grow in the North will not usually grow in the deep Southern States. A few like Red and Silver Maple do alright but suffer in the heat and drought at times and throw off leaves to conserve moisture.

Japanese Maples have became popular but need to be planted in the shade or where they just get morning sun.

First off, I dont think its powdery mildew. Mildew usually appears during wet weather but you can tell mildew easly, its just like powder and wipes off easly. Usually doesnt kill the tree but does effect the general health.

If your in the South I would say it might be just from the heat, sun scald. During periods of drought the tree cant take up water fast enough causing the leaves to sun burn. Spots are usually irregular and get bigger with time. Turns a real dark black.

Another thing it might be is bacterial leaf spot. Quite common on some plants but not usually on maples. Smaller spots and usually with a redish tinge on the outer part of the ring.

Could also be fungal leaf spot. Doesnt harm the tree but makes it unsightly.

If I were really worried I would spray it with triforine. Ortho Rose Pride Disease Control should be easy to find.

Tar spots and powdery mildew are unsightly and can cause the leaves to fall from trees sooner than usual.

But it is not a disease that compromises the health of the trees.

The best way to minimize chances of the fungi showing up next year is to thoroughly rake all leaves covered with the blight and put them out to the curb for pickup by the city.

If the leaves are spread on gardens, the fungus will lie dormant over the winter and regenerate in spring, he said, adding that home composters don't get hot enough to kill the spores.

Good for city folk, not so useful for country folk.

JB2