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London planetree · Platanus × acerifolia

Why are there spots on my London planetree leaves?

Seeing spots on your London planetree is often a sign of anthracnose, a common fungal issue that loves cool, wet spring weather. Check the undersides of the leaves and the twigs for signs of infection to confirm the cause.

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spots on a plant
Photo: Scot Nelson, CC0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of the leaves for fungal growth.
  2. Check for dead twigs or branches that show signs of cankers.
  3. Examine the soil moisture levels to see if the tree is dehydrated.

Likely causes

  1. Anthracnose

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see irregular brown or black spots on the leaves, often following the veins. Twigs may also die back during the spring.

    What to do: Prune out and destroy any dead or infected twigs during the dormant season. Keep the area around the base of the tree clear of fallen leaves to reduce fungal spores.

  2. Leaf Scorch

    Possible

    How to tell: Spots appear as irregular brown patches between leaf veins during hot, dry summer months. The edges of the leaves may also turn brittle.

    What to do: Provide deep watering every 7 to 14 days during dry spells. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to help the soil retain moisture.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your london planetree

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 usually a cosmetic issue that the tree outgrows as the weather warms. Worry only if the tree loses a significant portion of its canopy year after year.

Stopping it coming back

Clean up and dispose of all fallen leaves in the autumn to prevent fungal spores from overwintering.

London planetree: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your london planetree 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 anthracnose?
Usually no. While it looks messy, healthy London planetrees typically recover once the weather turns hot and dry.
Should I spray my tree with fungicide?
Fungicides are rarely practical for large, mature trees. Focus on good sanitation and keeping the tree healthy with proper water.

Guides to these causes

More problems with London planetree

Back to the London planetree guide

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.