Community Corner

Maple Tree Blight No Cause for Concern, Expert Says

Fungal disease called "tar spot" doesn't affect the overall health of trees.

A fungal disease tainting maple tree leaves in Shorewood isn’t any cause for concern, a local horticulturist says.

The blight known as "tar spot" is actually pretty common among maple trees and isn't isolated to Shorewood, but affects maples in Milwaukee County, and parts of the country, according to Sharon Morrisey, consumer horticulture agent with the Milwaukee County University of Wisconsin Extension.

Along with Morrisey, Shorewood officials have fielded concern from residents over the health of maple trees in Shorewood and Milwaukee County.

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However, Morrisey said the disease isn't anything to worry about. The fungal infection doesn't affect the overall health of maple trees, but just its appearance. The disease triggered by two different types of fungus causes leaves to turn brown and develop tar-like round spots. The disease also causes leaves to fall earlier than usual, Morrisey said.

Morrisey added the best way to control the spread of "tar spot" is to rake up fallen leaves immediately and either bury or throw them into a compost pile.

Find out what's happening in Shorewoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“It'll help stop the spread of the infection,” Morrisey said.  


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