Tar Spot of Maple Rhytisma acerinum and Rhytisma punctatum

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Tar Spot can be found throughout the natural range of maple trees, but is most common in the eastern part of the United States. Although Tar Spot has a minimal effect on the health of a maple tree its appearance causes a certain amount of anxiety to homeowners. The disease can be prevented or reduced with fungicide treatments, but most arborists will assure you that the impact to your maple tree is mostly cosmetic and in many cases will not appear on the tree every year.

TREE INFECTED BY TAR SPOT
Tar Spot can infect the leaves of most maple species including Bigleaf Maple, Mountain Maple, Norway Maple, Red Maple, Rocky Mountain Maple, Silver Maple, Sugar Maple, Sycamore Maple, and Boxelder (which is maple species known as Ash-Leaf Maple). Tar Spot can also infect Tulip-tree and Willow trees.

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