Should I use a fungicide?

Fungicides are usually unnecessary for established trees. Good sanitation and airflow are much more effective.

Will the spots go away?

Existing spots will not disappear, but you can prevent new ones from forming by keeping the foliage dry.

American linden: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the spots are appearing after a period of heavy rain.
Look for fallen leaves on the ground that show similar markings.
Examine the density of the branches to see if air can move through.

Likely causes

Fungal leaf spot
Most likely
How to tell: You will see dark, irregular spots on the leaves, sometimes with a yellow halo around them.
What to do: Rake up and dispose of all fallen leaves under the tree to prevent spores from overwintering. Prune away heavily infected branches to improve airflow through the canopy.
Poor air circulation
Possible
How to tell: The inner leaves of the tree are the most affected, while the outer canopy remains healthy.
What to do: Thin out crowded branches to allow sunlight and wind to reach the center of the tree. This helps the foliage dry out quickly after rain.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your american linden

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

Leaf spot is mostly an aesthetic problem and rarely kills a mature tree. If the tree loses most of its leaves mid summer, that is a sign to be more diligent with cleanup next season.

Stopping it coming back

Water the soil at the base of the tree rather than spraying the leaves with a hose. Keep the area under the tree clean of debris throughout the fall.

American linden: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your american linden 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

Should I use a fungicide?: Fungicides are usually unnecessary for established trees. Good sanitation and airflow are much more effective.
Will the spots go away?: Existing spots will not disappear, but you can prevent new ones from forming by keeping the foliage dry.

Guides to these causes

Leaf Spot

Why does my American linden have dark spots on its leaves?