Have you ever looked at your trees only to find that a bunch of black spots are covering what were once green and vibrant leaves? Black spots on tree leaves are often the result of leaf spot disease, which is a broad term that actually encompasses multiple different fungal and bacterial tree diseases.
Oregon Arborist is a licensed tree service specialist in Gaston, Oregon. We know that seeing black spots on your favorite trees can be worrisome, so we’re here to shed light on what these spots mean.
Which Trees Can Get Leaf Spot Disease?
Almost any tree can get leaf spot disease, but the species that are the most susceptible to it are:
- Oak trees
- Maple trees
- Sycamore trees
- Horse chestnut trees
If you have these trees on your property and notice that they’re dropping their leaves prematurely or have several black spots on their leaves, you could be dealing with a bacterial or fungal infection.
Tree Leaf Black Spot Identification: Tree Diseases That Cause Black Spots
So, what diseases cause black spots on tree leaves? Let’s take a look at the most common culprits.
Maple Leaf Spot
Maple leaf spot is due to a fungus called Phyllosticta minima. Instead of black circles, it causes light brown spots with darker outlines on the leaves. The good news is that this disease is not fatal or very harmful to your trees, as it’s primarily an aesthetic issue.
Maple Tar Spot
Maple tar spot is the result of two different kinds of fungus: Rhytisma punctatum and Rhytisma acerinum. It causes black spots on maple tree leaves, which rise and become more yellow as the disease progresses. Since it’s just a cosmetic issue, you don’t have to worry about applying any sort of treatment for this fungal disease causing black spots on leaves.
Apple Scab
Crabapple trees can experience apple scab, which is a fungal disease caused by Venturia inaequalis. It can cause light brown spots on the leaves as well as the fruit and even spread from one tree to the next rather quickly.
This fungal disease is most prevalent during the spring and can cause significant damage to trees.
Black Spot Disease
When thinking about black spot vs. other tree leaf diseases, it’s important not to confuse the two. Black spot disease is a fungal disease that specifically attacks roses. While it won’t kill them right away, it can shorten their lifespan.
Learn More About Caring for Trees With Black Spots By Contacting Oregon Arborist
Whether you have a beautiful rose garden in your backyard or a few trees surrounding your home, you want your greenery to be as healthy and beautiful as possible. Black spots on tree leaves can impact the look of your trees and even their health in some cases.
Our Oregon Arborist team is passionate about helping people improve the health of their trees, including treating black spots on tree leaves. Whether you’re asking, “Is preventing black spots on tree leaves possible?” or “Do trees increase property value?” we can answer.
Call (503) 899-4166 for service with Oregon Arborist in Gaston, Oregon today.