Maple tree looks unhealthy

Question: My maple tree looks like it is not doing well. Please see the picture of the tree leaves as they look like they are not healthy.  We have very sandy soil also. Thanks so much for your help!

responder: Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied August 17, 2024, 12:37 PM EDT
response: Hello Ellen, May we have a little more background information before I refer you to a tree expert, please? How long has the tree been planted? When you irrigate are the sprinklers hitting the leaves of the tree? If the tree was recently planted there, was it moved from a relatively shady site into full sun? Also, would you please include a picture taken far enough back so we can see the whole tree from the soil line up to the top of the crown ? Thank you and I will watch for your update . Laura S.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 18, 2024, 10:24 AM EDT
response: Hi Laura, My apologies for the late response. My answers are as follows. 1. The tree was planted 2 years ago. It is about 6 feet tall.2. When I irrigate the tree, the water from the sprinkler does hit the leaves.3. I am sorry, I don't know if it was taken from a shady spot or not. My sister gave it to me. 4. Here are pictures of the tree.Again, thanks so much for your help.  :)Sincerely,  Ellen On Sat, Aug 17, 2024, 12:37 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied August 18, 2024, 11:09 AM EDT
response: Thank you Ellen. This does appear to be anthracnose, a fungal disease. Here is information from Extension  “Abundant rainfall in late April and early May often initiates maple anthracnose. While little can be done about natural rainfall, avoid overhead irrigation of ornamental maples to reduce free moisture on the foliage.  Infected leaves are the primary source of inoculum and should be removed from the site. If the disease is severe, infected shoots should be pruned out, as they can also harbor the pathogen. This sanitation practice will reduce the amount of conidia (spores) present to initiate new infections in the spring as trees are leafing out.  Maintaining tree vigor through adequate fertilization, watering, mulching and pruning will help lessen the impacts of the disease. Sugar maple prefers calcareous soils and many respond well to lime applications if soil pH is too low. Anthracnose is often an aesthetic issue on maple, but there are situations where the disease can cause permanent damage and chemical control may be warranted. These situations include when: young trees are heavily infected; trees are suffering from insect defoliation for consecutive years, and; trees are in decline due to environmental stress or attack by insect pests and disease. If necessary, labeled fungicides can be used to protect susceptible trees. The following products are labeled for use against anthracnose of maple: copper hydroxide + mancozeb, thiabendazole, mancozeb and propiconazole. The first application should be made at or just before bud break to protect new growth from initial infection in spring. Additional applications may be required at the labeled interval, especially if prolonged periods of wet weather occur.”  Here is what I recommend— The tree is 2 years in that spot, that means it has just settled in and recovered from transplant shock. Keep mulch pulle away from teh trunk by several inches so the bark is not constantly wet at the soil line.  Redirect your sprinklers or water only early in the day so the leaves dry quickly in the sun.  Rake up any fallen leaves and discard.  I think it is too late to use a fungicide on the tree. Early spring as leaves begin to open is the time to treat them. If next spring is a rainy one, consider treating with a fungicide as listed in the Extension info, above. However, some times spraying a fungicide can preserve what leaves are left by slowing the fungal growth. It will not “cure” any leaves, just slow down the progression. I would not prune out anything on the tree, unless the branch itself is broken, damaged or has an obvious lesion on it. Here are bulletins for you, two on diseases of maple and one “Tree Owner’s Manual” that is a good guide for tree care. https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/maple/leavesspots.html https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/maple-anthracnose  https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5368392.pdf