Topic: Trees

[bhicks]

I have had to cut down both of my Maple trees due to a black fungus that killed one and started attacking the other. I tried all sorts of chemicals but nothing worked. Does anyone have an idea of what this was and how to treat and second, will it be safe to plant other trees in these spots.

[Jim]

Hey Bert,

Glad you decided to stop by and take a look.  Here is a great link that talks about the "tar spot" that is the black fungus you asked about.  It's very similiar to the anthracnose disease that tends to attack sycamore trees.

Tar Spot on Maple trees

From reading this it appears that you will do fine replanting in that spot as long as you raked and removed the infected leaves.

Good luck.

[Patty S]

I'm wondering if that fungus doesn't come with some sort of spore that will get into the ground & be there waiting for the next tree.   I know that certain diseases are prevalent in some tree species, while not in others... maybe planting a different type of maple (or a whole different tree) would be your best bet.

Try calling your County Extension office & see what they have to say.  Let us know what you find out, OK?  One never knows when information like this might come in handy.