Will these pests kill my tree?

Usually not, but they can stress the tree and make it look messy. A healthy, mature Silver maple can handle a moderate infestation without long term damage.

Is the sticky stuff on my patio harmful?

The sticky substance is honeydew, which is just sugar water excreted by the insects. It is harmless to people but can attract ants and grow black sooty mold.

Silver maple: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of branches for white, fluffy egg masses.
Check the leaves for sticky residue or black sooty mold.
Look for tiny insects clustering on the tips of new growth.

Likely causes

Cottony Maple Scale
Most likely
How to tell: Look for white, cottony egg sacs attached to the undersides of branches in late spring. You might also notice sticky honeydew on leaves below the infestation.
What to do: Use a strong blast of water from a garden hose to dislodge the egg sacs. For heavy infestations, apply horticultural oil in early spring before buds break to smother the insects.
Aphids
Possible
How to tell: These tiny insects cluster on new growth and cause leaves to curl or yellow. They also leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew.
What to do: Spray the affected branches with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Repeat the application every 7 to 10 days until the pests are gone.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your silver 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

Small infestations are usually manageable, but heavy scale coverage can weaken the tree over time. If the tree is losing vigor or branches are dying back, consult a professional arborist.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your tree healthy with proper watering and mulch to help it resist pest attacks. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can encourage soft growth that attracts aphids.

Silver maple: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your silver 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 these pests kill my tree?: Usually not, but they can stress the tree and make it look messy. A healthy, mature Silver maple can handle a moderate infestation without long term damage.
Is the sticky stuff on my patio harmful?: The sticky substance is honeydew, which is just sugar water excreted by the insects. It is harmless to people but can attract ants and grow black sooty mold.

Guides to these causes

Aphids

Why does my Silver maple have white cottony stuff on the branches?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your silver maple?