Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of the leaves for fungal growth.
- Check if the spots are concentrated near the bottom of the tree.
- Look for signs of excessive moisture on the foliage.
Likely causes
Fungal Leaf Spot
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see dark, irregular spots on the foliage that may have a yellow halo. These spots often appear during humid or rainy spring months.
What to do: Remove and destroy any fallen leaves to prevent spores from spreading. Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry, and apply a copper based fungicide if the infection is widespread.
Anthracnose
PossibleHow to tell: This fungus causes brown or black lesions along the leaf veins. It can lead to premature leaf drop if left untreated.
What to do: Prune away infected branches during the dormant season to improve airflow. Clean up all debris beneath the tree to stop the fungus from overwintering.
Find out what's wrong with your red 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
It is serious if the tree loses a large portion of its leaves mid summer. A few spots here and there are normal for a healthy tree.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the area around the base of the tree clean and ensure good air circulation by pruning crowded branches.
Red Maple: spots? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your red 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
- Will the spots kill my tree?
- Usually no, but it can weaken the tree if it happens every year. Keep the tree healthy with proper watering and mulch.
- Should I cut off all the spotted leaves?
- You can remove heavily infected leaves, but do not strip the tree bare. Focus on cleaning up fallen leaves from the ground instead.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Red Maple
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.