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Maple Tar Spot Disease and Treatment

Maple Tar Spot Disease and Treatment

Maple trees not only enhance the beauty of landscapes but also provide many benefits which make them a…

Oct 10,2024

Maple trees not only enhance the beauty of landscapes but also provide many benefits which make them a valuable addition. Like most trees, these magnificent entities are prone to infections and infestations which cause deterioration and death if left unattended. A common threat to maple trees is maple tar spot, which manifests as dark, round spots on the leaves. Once you notice spots that resemble splashed tar on your maples, Sesmas Tree Service is the go-to tree care company for help. Let’s look at the crucial aspects you should know to act quickly.

Maple Tar Spot Disease and Treatment

What Is Maple Tar Spot?

Maple tar spot affects many trees globally. If you have maples on your yard, routine inspections by a professional tree service provider are crucial to detect signs of infection early. As stated, this fungal disease causes dark spots on leaves, affecting aesthetic appeal and overall health. Fortunately, the disease is not fatal, so homeowners don’t have to worry about severe damage and tree removal emergencies.

Causes of Maple Tar Spot

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Maple tar spot is a fungal disease that is caused by a single or multiple species of the “Rhytisma” fungus. Most fungi have an annual life cycle, which includes dormant overwintering. The fungus grows in the spring, releasing spores that are spread by the wind and water to maple trees. Some of the most susceptible maple species include black maple, boxelder, red maple, silver maple, and sugar maple. If you have any of these trees in your property, scheduling routine checks with a tree care company is important.

How to Identify Infected Trees

If fungal spores land on your trees and matures, textured and raised spots will appear on the leaves. In case of a severe infection, leaves can drop to show they cannot support photosynthesis. Sudden leaf drop is often a sign of stress, and delaying professional care can exacerbate the problem, leading to death and tree removal in Alpharetta. Also, severe leaf damage affects the tree’s aesthetics and overall curb appeal.

Effective Preventive Measures

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3 large Leyland Cypress trees removed near front of our home. Excellent service, professional crew, very competitive pricing for superior work! Rolando provided the initial estimate and the  follow up and was the best in terms of customer relations. I'd both use this company again AND highly recommend them.

Susan Hitchcock

This is the 2nd time we have used Sesmas Tree Service. They are a wonderful company to deal with. They were on time, professional, and very thorough. They cleaned up prior to leaving and went out of their way to protect our plants and landscaping. And they kept to their proposal with no hidden cost or add ons. Definitely a five star experience!

Gene McFadden

Wow!  I deal with tree services in my professional work and I can honestly say Sesmas is by far the most professional, best equipped, efficient, safety conscious, and communicative service I've ever encountered.  Their price was very reasonable and they even went so far as to include additional work without increasing the price.  Call them!  Now! They are very quick to respond.

Scott McLendon

We've used Sesmas several times and have always received excellent service.  Estimates are quick and easy and the crew is efficient and leaves the property clean of debris.  Recently we needed a tree removed next to a heavily landscaped area.  Sebastian went over everything with me in detail and listened to my concerns.  The crew did an excellent job in removing the tree with minimal disturbance to the surrounding area.  We are pleased and will consider them again in the future for pruning and tree removal.

Tonia Griswold

Sesmas Tree Service was amazing! I had two dead trees cut and a lot of trees that were already down on my property removed. Sebastian came out and sent the quote in writing within 24 hours. We were in the process of scheduling the service when a slot opened up sooner snd I was able to go ahead and get the work done. Everything was explained ahead of time for what to expect. The crew was very efficient and professional.  All of the work and cleanup was done in one day. I would recommend Sesmas for your tree cutting/cleanup needs.

LaDora Woods

I hired Sesmas to cut down a very tricky tree that was hanging over my house as well as a few large limbs. They did a great job and had the machinery to get the job done right.

Perry Hartman

Great experience with Sesmas. They were meticulous with my tree removal, safe and efficient. David’s communication throughout the process was much appreciated. Highly recommend!

Lindsay Ellenburg

Great experience with Sesmas Tree Service. The arborist who came out was a Board Certified Master Arborist, and you could immediately tell he knew his stuff. He took the time to explain what needed to be done, gave us clear options, and helped us feel confident from start to finish. The whole process was easy and professional. We’ll definitely use them again.

Ed Martin

Fungal infections can easily spread to other healthy trees, hence the need to prioritize cleaning up fallen leaves from your premises. If you don’t rake and dispose of fallen leaves, you allow the fungus to shelter the winter and infect healthy trees. Look out for premature leaf fall and inspect for telltale signs of maple tar spot to take effective measures before the damage worsens. For homeowners who prefer a more sustainable approach, arborists recommend composting infected leaves as the safest option.

Do Fungal Sprays Cure Maple Tar Spot?

DIY enthusiasts may opt for a more hands-on approach, like spraying fungicides. However, timing is critical to ensure proper coverage and prevent reinfections. Before applying chemicals, consult a tree service provider to account for critical factors that DIYers often overlook. These include tree size, surrounding tree species, and timing, ensuring you kill the fungus without compromising overall health.

Do you need help to diagnose maple tar spot? If so, contact the Sesmas Tree Service and talk to our arborists. We have seasoned experts with extensive knowledge to evaluate your trees and recommend the most effective solution.

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