Skip to content
Pocket Botanist
Get the app

Sycamore Maple · Acer pseudoplatanus

What is eating my Sycamore Maple leaves?

Sycamore Maples can attract aphids or scale insects that feed on sap. Look closely at the stems and leaf undersides for sticky residue or tiny bugs.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

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

Check these first

  1. Look for sticky honeydew on the leaves.
  2. Check the undersides of leaves for tiny insects.
  3. Examine twigs for small, bump like shells.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see tiny green or black insects on new growth and a sticky substance called honeydew on the leaves. Ants may also be crawling on the tree.

    What to do: Spray the tree with a strong blast of water from a garden hose to knock the aphids off. If the infestation is severe, use insecticidal soap according to the label.

  2. Scale Insects

    Possible

    How to tell: Small, bump like growths appear on the twigs and branches. They often look like tiny brown or tan shells.

    What to do: Scrape off the scale insects with a soft brush if they are few. For larger infestations, apply horticultural oil during the dormant season.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your sycamore 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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

When to worry

Small numbers of pests are normal. Treat the tree only if the leaves are curling or the tree shows signs of stress.

Stopping it coming back

Encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings to visit your garden by planting diverse flowers nearby.

Sycamore Maple: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your sycamore 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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Why are there ants on my tree?
The ants are likely farming the aphids for their sweet honeydew. Getting rid of the aphids will make the ants leave.
Can I use neem oil?
Yes, neem oil is effective against many soft bodied insects. Apply it in the early morning or evening to avoid leaf burn.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Sycamore Maple

Back to the Sycamore 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.