HELP! Phyllosticta Leaf Spot (Phyllosticta minima

8 years ago

I have a maple tree here is south jersey. I don't know it's official name, but the grower called it October Glory. It's leaves are smaller than the typical maple you see a lot of in neighborhoods. We planted it about 15 years ago, so it's probably 20 years old. It is taller than our 2 story house and very big and beautiful.

This is the second year it has fungus, and I think this year it is worse. We do rake up the leaves each year so we had hoped it wouldn't return, but we do have wooded areas near by. I think our second, newer tree has a touch of it this year as well.

I can't find anything that cleared tells how to treat it. It looks like a classic case of phyllosticta leaf spot (phyllosticta minima) based on the photos on the internet. Little spots with a darker ring around the edge and a bullseye dot in the middle. The leaves eventaully turn brown and fall off. The leave have may spot each.

What is the recommended treatment and how do I find someone who really knows what they are doing and not just someone who will take my $, spray with ?? and it doesn't work?

I think the tree is worth investing some $ into as there is not way to buy a tree this big. It has blown away the trees planted by the builder 20 years ago. (That is a google image, but it just like my tree's spots)

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Comments (4)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
8 years ago
If that is what it is (and no photo of the infection on YOUR tree to confirm), the problem is generally not considered serious enough to treat. It's a bit early in the season for tar spot but that is also a possibility. Again, this is considered more of a cosmetic issue rather than posing real harm to the tree and no treatment is necessary.
cindywhitall
Original Author
8 years ago
Here is a pic of my actual tree and one shot of the spots. You can see how many there are. I can post a closer shot of a leaf if necessary.
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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
8 years ago
i am sorry.. but i NEVER consider leaf damage on a deciduous tree to be of any concern ...

call a certified arborist ... and pay him to come give you a local.. on sight inspection ... use google.. with those words and your city name ... not every monkey with a chain saw is such ...

the diagnosis is not confirmed ... and this isnt really a thing a homeowner should try to do.. you need specialist .... local ones.. not the WORLD wide web ... especially when it come to apply air borne chemicals on that size tree

as to whether or not it will work .. well.. thats all about vegas ... who knows the odds ...
also be nice to know where you are ...

good luck

ken

ps: you might also contact your COUNTY Ag or extension office ... and take them a leaf or two ... perhaps there is something local going on.. of which we are not aware ...
cindywhitall
Original Author
8 years ago
Ken, I am in southern New Jersey. I emailed my extension, somebody said they would forward it to the Gloucester County certified gardeners. I haven't heard from them. I sent them the photos I have posted. I figured I'd try both them and here. From what I've read there is not much to do until next year, before the damage starts, but I wanted to get the necessary knowledge to avoid being ripped off. The company who trimmed our back yard trees says on their website that they have certified arborists. They had suggested thinning this tree to avoid storm damage (I think that was why to thin it-or maybe they said top it?)