With crusty shoots and diseased leaves, a Norway maple does not keep what its profile promises. This guide explains how to repair disease damage to Acer platanoides using simple means.
How to treat Norway maple diseases?
In the case of Norway maple diseases such as maple scab or red pustule disease, it is crucial to remove affected leaves and branches, check the tree regularly and, if necessary, add organic nutrients to strengthen its defenses and limit the spread of the disease.
Maple wrinkled scab – tips for diagnosis and control
Two species of ascomycetes specialize in Norway maple and its big brother, the mighty sycamore maple. The symptoms are obvious and combating them is extremely easy. How to diagnose maple scab and banish the disease:
- Black, shiny, 1-2 cm large spots with yellowish edges
- As the progress progresses, premature loss of leaves in summer
- Treatment: Collect and dispose of all autumn leaves
Fungal infestation is also known as tar spot disease and is widespread. You don't have to use your chemical bag of tricks to combat it. The infectious spores for a new infestation only arise when the leaves have fallen to the ground. By removing all leaves from the garden, you break the vicious cycle.
Red pustule disease – recognizing signs and acting correctly
Chemical fungicides are powerless against frequent fungal attacks on Norway maple and its cultivar globe maple. Despite all this, you don't have to give up your magnificent Acer platanoides, because you can heal the tree with a simple method. You can find out typical indications and the best way to combat them here:
- Early stage: wilting on leaves and shoots in spring and summer
- As the progression progresses, often cancerous deformations of the bark
- Late stage: Numerous, 2 mm small, vermilion-red fruiting bodies on the branches in winter
Red pustule disease is one of the few occasions that make pruning unavoidable on Norway maples. Years of observations and field tests confirm scissors as an effective combat tool. If you cut all infected branches back to he althy wood in September, the insidious fungal spores will lose out.
Supplement the healing pruning with an organic nutrient supply to strengthen the immune system. Work in ripe compost and horn shavings (€52.00 at Amazon) superficially with the rake and shower everything with potassium-rich comfrey manure.
Tip
The third damage in the series of common diseases begins fatally on maple roots. Norway maple weakened by an unsuitable location or care errors is susceptible to verticillium wilt. Individual parts of the crown gradually die off until the entire tree is just a pile of dead wood. Scientists have so far been researching effective healing methods in vain.
