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Bigleaf Maple · Acer macrophyllum

Why are there pests on my Bigleaf Maple?

Bigleaf Maples are prone to aphid infestations that leave behind a sticky mess. Check the undersides of the leaves for small, soft bodied insects to confirm the cause.

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pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Look for sticky residue on the leaves.
  2. Examine the undersides of leaves for clusters of insects.
  3. Check for ants crawling up the trunk.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see sticky honeydew on the leaves and small green or black insects clustered on new growth. Ants are often present as they farm the aphids.

    What to do: Spray the leaves with a strong stream of water to knock the aphids off. If the infestation is heavy, use insecticidal soap once a week.

  2. Scale Insects

    Possible

    How to tell: Small, bump like growths appear on the twigs and branches. They look like tiny shells stuck to the bark.

    What to do: Scrub the scales off with a soft brush or apply horticultural oil during the dormant season.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your bigleaf maple

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

A few aphids are rarely a threat to a mature tree. Worry only if the leaves start curling or if the tree shows signs of severe stress.

Stopping it coming back

Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs to visit your garden, as they eat aphids naturally.

Bigleaf Maple: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your bigleaf maple and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Is the sticky stuff on my leaves harmful?
The honeydew itself is harmless, but it can lead to sooty mold growth on the leaves.
Should I use heavy pesticides?
Avoid strong chemicals as they kill the beneficial insects that help control the aphid population.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Bigleaf Maple

Back to the Bigleaf Maple guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.