Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of the leaves for tiny moving insects.
- Look for sticky residue on the foliage or the ground beneath the tree.
- Check the stems for small, hard, brown bumps.
Likely causes
Aphids
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see tiny green or black insects clustered on new growth or the undersides of leaves. They often leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew.
What to do: Spray the leaves with a strong stream of water from your garden hose to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap once every 7 days until they are gone.
Scale insects
PossibleHow to tell: This is less common for this plant, usually caused by poor air circulation or stressed trees. Look for small, brown, bump like spots on the stems or leaf veins.
What to do: Scrape the bumps off gently with your fingernail or a soft brush. Apply horticultural oil to the affected branches during the dormant season to smother any remaining eggs.
Find out what's wrong with your striped 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 normal, but you should worry if the leaves start curling or turning yellow. If the infestation covers the entire tree, seek professional help.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your tree healthy with proper watering and avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which attracts aphids. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs to visit your garden.
Striped maple: pests? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your striped 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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Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Will aphids kill my tree?
- Usually no, but a heavy infestation can weaken a young tree. It is best to manage them early before they cause leaf curling.
- Can I use systemic pesticides?
- It is better to avoid them on outdoor trees to protect pollinators. Stick to water sprays or insecticidal soap first.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Striped maple
- Why are my Striped maple leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my Striped maple leaves curling?
- Why are the tips of my Striped maple leaves turning brown?
- Why is my Striped maple drooping?
- Why is my Striped maple losing its leaves?
- Why are there spots on my striped maple leaves?
- Is my striped maple suffering from root rot?
- Why is my striped maple looking thin and leggy?
Back to the Striped 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.