Maple Tree - Symptomatic Leaves-Stems

Question: From Grosse Pointe Woods MI:  This morning discovered symptoms on Green Mountain sugar maple.  Droopy leaves, marks on leaves, clear sticky spots on leaves, sticky branch stems.  "Sticky" like honey, or pine tar.  Tree also has approx 10 small dead branches.  Entire tree seems symptomatic. History:  Planted October 2015.  4" diameter @ purchase; 9" today.  Approx 25'h x 20'w.  Since 2nd Fall (Oct 2016), treated annually with "deciduous root food" because of black spots on leaves discovered 2nd season. Seemed VERY healthy last season.  HELP!!!  We're in a bit of a panic.

responder: Julie Crick  Replied May 18, 2023, 2:38 PM EDT
response: Hi Christina, I think there might be more than one thing going on with the tree.  The sticky substance is caused by a sap-sucking insect. Inspect the leaves and the twigs looking for aphids, which are tiny, light green insects, that will be feeding on the underside of leaves along the veins or at the base of the petiole, which is the stem of the leaf. Aphids can be dislodged with a spray of water from the hose. Chemicals are generally not warranted or recommended because aphids have so many natural predators that would also be affected by a chemical application.  The tree may need water if you do not have a sprinkler system for the lawn. Watering yard trees once a week in the absence of rain is always a good practice to prevent drought stress. Water using a sprinkler to thoroughly soak the entire area under the branches while being careful to avoid directly and repeatedly spraying the trunk.   The light yellow dots may be the return of the leaf spot you mentioned, which could actually be caused by eyespot gall midge? Could have been the spots you saw last year. Scroll down to eyespot gall to find images for comparison.  https://extension.psu.edu/leaf-galls-on-maple  https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/maple-eyespot-gall-midge-acericecis-ocellaris-osten-sacken-diptera-cecidomyiidae Control of galls, or the midges that cause galls, as the tree is not damaged by their presence.   Are the dead branches at the top of the outside of the canopy, or crown of leaves? If not, and it's a few interior branches that have died off, then it's likely normal branch dieback. This occurs as some branches before shaded by outer leaves.   If the dead branches are on the outside at the top of the canopy, then something else might be going on.   You can certainly contact an arborist to come out to evaluate the tree. Arborists are certified through the International Society of Arboriculture, or ISA. ISA maintains a website that makes it easy to find a certified arborist.  https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist Feel free to reach out with any questions.  Thank you, -Julie

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 18, 2023, 5:58 PM EDT
response: Hi, Julie… thanks for thorough prompt response. I know aphids; do not see any.  Will “hose” the leaves. Will water 1 x week in absence of rain. Yellow Dots:  At this time, does not appear to be gall midge as I check both links below.  Will continue to be on the lookout. Dead Branches:  inside the tree, so I won’t worry at this time.   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2023 2:39 PM To: Christina Pitts <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Maple Tree - Symptomatic Leaves-Stems (#0100634)

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 19, 2023, 9:33 AM EDT
response: Re Aphids:  Checked this morning as well as yesterday, and do NOT see aphids…   From: <personal data hidden>  Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2023 5:54 PM To: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>; <personal data hidden> Subject: RE: Maple Tree - Symptomatic Leaves-Stems (#0100634)     Hi, Julie… thanks for thorough prompt response. I know aphids; do not see any.  Will “hose” the leaves. Will water 1 x week in absence of rain. Yellow Dots:  At this time, does not appear to be gall midge as I check both links below.  Will continue to be on the lookout. Dead Branches:  inside the tree, so I won’t worry at this time.   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2023 2:39 PM To: Christina Pitts <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Maple Tree - Symptomatic Leaves-Stems (#0100634)

responder: Julie Crick  Replied May 25, 2023, 8:27 AM EDT
response: Thank you for the reply, Christina.  Since we communicated last week, has the sticky substance diminished? Or has it continued?  If not aphids, then check the twigs for scale insects.  https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/scale-insects/ Both are sap sucking and could be active at this time. Use binoculars to inspect the upper branches of the tree.  Also, have the yellow dots progressed?  Feel free to stay in contact using this platform, or my direct email.  Thank you, -Julie

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 25, 2023, 5:38 PM EDT
response: Hi, Julie…  thanks so much for staying in touch.  Situation has morphed to black splotching.  See attached photos.  Ug.     From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Thursday, May 25, 2023 8:27 AM To: Christina Pitts <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Maple Tree - Symptomatic Leaves-Stems (#0100634)

responder: Julie Crick  Replied May 26, 2023, 9:19 AM EDT
response: Hi Christina, Thank you for the updated pictures. It's either anthracnose or maple leaf blister. Neither are harmful to the tree. You can read more about both at the link below: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/maple_leaf_blister_and_anthracnose_two_foliar_diseases_that_can_appear_on_s It may be worth the time to perform both the cultural prevention methods this fall (pick up infected leaves and remove them from site) and a round of fungicides next spring, as the leaf buds are opening. The article mentions several options; and the tree is small enough for you to treat yourself. A fungicide application could break the cycle of the pathogen, and result in a good looking tree for years to come.  It is too late to treat the tree for the spots this year. If you decide to use chemicals, be sure to read and follow the label directions. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.  Thank you, -Julie

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 28, 2023, 11:03 AM EDT
response: Hello again, Julie… The arborist we consulted (Tree First – HIGHLY recommended) agrees with you.  We’ll follow your suggestions.   Another matter:  3 Ewe bushes – the yellowing, dead sprigs is considerable, not showing well here.  All 3 bushes.  I suspect dying from age?   Happy Holiday weekend!   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Friday, May 26, 2023 9:20 AM To: Christina Pitts <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Maple Tree - Symptomatic Leaves-Stems (#0100634)

responder: Julie Crick  Replied May 30, 2023, 9:06 AM EDT
response: Glad the maple issue was identified! And hopefully resolved in the future.  Yews can be have yellowing tips if the growing conditions are too wet or too dry, as both have a negative effect on the roots working properly. It doesn't look like anything serious, and will likely grow out in time. The link below describes common issues with yew for your reference. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/visual-guides/yew-problems Please stay in touch or reach out if the yellowing of the yew continues to get worse.  Thank you, -Julie