black spots on silver maple leaves

[Ted Shoemaker]

Hello,

The silver maples in our front yard are developing black spots on the leaves. Not knowing any better, I'd guess this is some kind of fungus. How big of a concern is this?

In case the details matter: Madison, WI zone 4 or 5 depending on who you believe clay soil

Thank you very much!

Ted Shoemaker

[Sed5555]

Black leafspots on maples that are due to fungal infections (anthracnose, tar spot, Phyllosticta leaf spot) are usually only seen in the spring following a period of wet weather. Fungal problems can occur at other times if there has been a period of unusually rainy weather. They are not a great cause for concern as they cause minimal damage to the tree. sed5555

[gregpresley]