Will tar spot kill my tree?

No, it is generally harmless to the overall health of a mature Sycamore Maple. It just looks unsightly.

Should I spray my tree with fungicide?

Usually, it is not necessary. Good sanitation by raking leaves is far more effective than chemical treatments.

Sycamore Maple: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the underside of the leaves for fungal growth.
Check if the spots are black and raised.
Look for signs of poor airflow in the tree canopy.

Likely causes

Tar Spot Fungus
Most likely
How to tell: You will see distinct black, raised spots on the leaf surface that look like tar. It usually appears in late summer.
What to do: Rake up and dispose of all fallen leaves in the autumn to stop spores from overwintering. Do not compost these leaves, as the fungus can survive the process.
Leaf Blight
Possible
How to tell: Irregular brown or black blotches appear on the leaves, often starting at the edges. The leaves may look scorched.
What to do: Prune away heavily infected branches to improve airflow through the canopy. Keep the area around the base of the tree clear of debris.

Leaf spots 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.

When to worry

Tar spot is mostly cosmetic and rarely kills a healthy tree. Worry only if the tree loses its leaves prematurely year after year.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the ground clean by removing fallen leaves every autumn to prevent fungal spores from spreading.

Sycamore Maple: spots? 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.

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

Questions people ask

Will tar spot kill my tree?: No, it is generally harmless to the overall health of a mature Sycamore Maple. It just looks unsightly.
Should I spray my tree with fungicide?: Usually, it is not necessary. Good sanitation by raking leaves is far more effective than chemical treatments.

Guides to these causes

Leaf Blight

Why are there spots on my Sycamore Maple leaves?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your sycamore maple?