Content
- Robust red maple has little tendency for disease
- Discolored and / or withered leaves
- fungal diseases
- Verticillium wilting often leads to death
- Common pests
- Tips
Drying leaves on the red maple can be a sign of disease infestation
Robust red maple has little tendency for disease
Acer rubrum, as the Rotahorn botanical is called, is mainly widespread in the east of the North American continent. The imposing deciduous tree is mainly known for its magnificent autumn color and is characterized in his homeland as one of the main responsible for the so-called "Indian Summer". Also in this country the red maple is often planted in gardens, after all it is a rather robust wood.
Discolored and / or withered leaves
But as robust as the ornamental tree may be, it does not forgive itself so quickly. Dried and / or discolored leaves are usually an indication that the red maple is not particularly comfortable at its location and / or is affected by improper care. Too much dryness, but also waterlogging not only lead to visual impairments, but also to more serious diseases. If the sunlight is too intense or the heat too high, the tree often reacts with withered leaf tips or brownish spots on the leaves. The latter point to burns caused by UV light.
fungal diseases
Wrong care or an unsuitable location are usually the cause of various fungal diseases. Lack of irrigation especially on hot summer days often leads to mildew, a disease in which leaves and shoots are covered with a white-gray mushroom turf. Mildew, however, can be very well combated with home remedies, for example with a mixture of whole milk and water, which is sprayed on the tree within several days.
Verticillium wilting often leads to death
The situation is quite different with Verticillium wilt, a fungal disease that blocks the supply of water and nutrients in the lanes of the wood and thus sooner or later leads to the death of the tree. Up to now neither a herb nor an effective fungicide has grown against this fungus. The only measure that can help is a strong pruning of the affected maple, which is associated with transplanting.
Common pests
Especially in the spring and in the summer, on the underside of the leaves, weakened red horns can be found various pests such as leaf lice and scale insects, spider mites or gall mites. These very well to be combated pests are usually due to an incorrect care and / or a less suitable location.
Tips
Maples are generally very susceptible to Verticillium wilt and should therefore never be planted in a location where this disease has occurred before.