Do I need to spray the whole tree?

Yes, ensure you get good coverage on the undersides of branches and leaves where these pests like to hide.

Will these pests kill my tree?

They rarely kill a mature, healthy tree, but they can significantly weaken it and make it susceptible to other diseases.

What are these pests on my Sugar Maple? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Look for white cottony bumps on the branches.
Check the undersides of leaves for tiny insects.
Feel the leaves for a sticky residue.

Likely causes

Cottony maple scale
Most likely
How to tell: You will see small, white, cottony masses on the undersides of twigs and branches. The leaves may also look shiny or sticky due to the honeydew they secrete.
What to do: Apply a dormant oil spray in late winter or early spring to smother the eggs. During the summer, you can use insecticidal soap to treat the active crawlers.
Aphids
Possible
How to tell: Leaves may curl or look distorted, and you might see tiny green or black insects on the undersides. They also produce sticky honeydew that attracts ants.
What to do: Spray the foliage with a strong blast of water to knock them off. If the infestation is heavy, use neem oil or insecticidal soap once a week until they are gone.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your sugar 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 numbers of pests are usually manageable, but heavy infestations that cause branch dieback require immediate treatment. A few insects are normal in any outdoor environment.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the tree vigorous with proper watering and avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which attracts aphids.

Sugar Maple: pests? Check yours with a photo

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

Do I need to spray the whole tree?: Yes, ensure you get good coverage on the undersides of branches and leaves where these pests like to hide.
Will these pests kill my tree?: They rarely kill a mature, healthy tree, but they can significantly weaken it and make it susceptible to other diseases.

Guides to these causes

Aphids

What are these pests on my Sugar Maple?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your sugar maple?