What is it?

A fungal infection unique to maples, Tar Spot resembles dark droplets of tar on leaf surfaces. It’s rarely serious enough to threaten the health of your tree, but it can become unsightly and cause premature leaf drop.

How to Diagnose the Problem

At first appearance the spots will be light green or yellowish then by mid to late summer raised tarlike spots develop within the yellwish spots. You will see tar spot between June and October on maples and japanese maples.

How to Control

• No treatment is needed as the damage is minor and not usually present from year to year.
• Remove infected leaves in the fall to lessen the chance of infection the following year.