Bacterial Leaf Scorch

[maple marc]

Early last summer I noticed the eight sugar maples in my yard were not looking good. The leaves were about half normal size. The leaf canopies were about 50 percent of normal. Later in the summer--long before fall--the leaf edges turned brown and the leaves dropped early. The summer weather was ideal for trees--plenty of moisture and moderate temperatures. However, the summer before was very dry here. I didn't notice this condition in any of my other sugar maples off the yard, but my friend about four miles away had the same issue on her trees.

I've been reading about bacterial leaf scorch, which seems to describe by issue:

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/diseases/bacterial-spots/bacterial-leaf-scorch.aspx

The tree will go into steady decline and death. There is no cure. Yikes. Is it possible I have this disease? Could it be spread by tapping? Anyone here seen this? Know any more about it? Thanks for any info. I won't know any more until this summer, but perhaps my sugar will be way down this maple season.

Marc

[Alex Davies]

I have noticed similar symptoms in my sugarbush. Also had a wet summer last year, and a dry one prior to it. It seems to be sporadic through the sugarbush. Some parts seem to be affected worst than others. Small foliage and open canopy.

It doesn't seem to be exclusively in tapped sections of the forest. I have noticed on neighbors untapped properties as well.

Yikes.

Thanks for the link to the webpage.

[Alex Davies]

Maybe could also be forest tent caterpillar? Or gypsy moth?

Check out the thread: "what's up with the maple trees" a few threads down