Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check if the spots appeared after a long wet spring.
- Look for fungal growth on the underside of leaves.
- Examine the soil moisture levels around the base.
Likely causes
Anthracnose
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see irregular brown or black spots on the leaves, often along the veins. In severe cases, it causes leaves to curl or drop prematurely.
What to do: Rake up and dispose of all fallen leaves in the autumn to remove fungal spores. Prune out any dead twigs to improve air circulation through the canopy.
Leaf Scorch
PossibleHow to tell: This appears as brown or yellow spots between the leaf veins during hot, dry summer periods. It happens when the tree cannot move water to the leaves fast enough.
What to do: Provide deep, slow watering every 7 to 14 days during the summer. Apply a layer of wood mulch around the base to keep the roots cool and moist.
Find out what's wrong with your green ash
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
Anthracnose is rarely fatal but can weaken the tree if it happens every year. It is normal to see a few spots after a very rainy spring.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the area under the tree clean of debris and ensure the tree has good airflow. Water at the base rather than overhead to keep leaves dry.
Green Ash: spots? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your green ash 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 my tree die from leaf spots?
- Usually no, as Anthracnose is mostly an aesthetic issue for established trees. It is more concerning for young, newly planted trees.
- Should I spray my tree with fungicide?
- Fungicides are rarely necessary for home landscapes. Good sanitation and proper watering are usually enough to manage the problem.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Green Ash
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.