The ball maple is very popular as a decorative design element for front gardens, driveways and avenues because it is beautiful and easy to care for at the same time. However, the noble version of the Norway maple is not completely immune to diseases. Read here which diseases can occur and how to combat them ecologically.
What diseases can affect the maple tree and how do you treat them?
Spherical maple can be affected by diseases such as tar spot, red pustule and powdery mildew. Ecological control methods include removing and burning infected leaves in autumn, pruning infected shoots, and using a milk-water mixture as a spray against mildew.
Tar spot disease spoils the leaves - tip for combating it
At the beginning of summer, disaster begins in the form of yellow spots that spread across the beautiful leaves. As tar spot disease (Rhytisma acerinum) progresses, the spots turn black, which is where the name of this fungal infection comes from. Typically, the yellow edge of the tar spots remains until the bitter end, because the affected leaves fall to the ground much too early.
You don't have to bring out the chemical club to combat it successfully. By meticulously removing and burning all leaves in the fall, the fatal development cycle is interrupted.
Red pustule disease – weakness parasite with a striking appearance
Red pustule disease (Nectria cinnabarina) is one of the most common infections on maple trees. The vermilion-red pustules spread unmistakably over shoots and bark. If no countermeasures are taken, cancerous deformities can form because the pathogens release toxic substances into the conductive pathways. How to act correctly:
- In September, when the weather is dry, cut back all shoots down to he althy wood
- Cut at least 15-20 cm below the infestation and do not leave any stubs
Then put the care and site conditions to the test. A ball maple tree weakened by care errors is a welcome victim for the pustule fungus.
Mildew beats milk – this is how it works
If the leaves on the maple maple are covered with a mealy-white patina, you are dealing with the widespread disease powdery mildew. You can find an effective control agent in your refrigerator. Fresh milk contains valuable lecithin and microorganisms that kill fungal spores.
A mixture of 1 liter of water and 125 milliliters of fresh milk (not long-life milk) has proven successful. Cut off all infected plant parts in advance. Then spray the entire crown repeatedly with milk and water until it is dripping wet.
Tip
Cuttings and autumn leaves from diseased maple trees must not be disposed of in the compost heap. Fungal spores use wind and rain to make their way into the garden again. Suspicious plant remains are burned or disposed of in the trash can.
