Red pustule disease can be seriously dangerous for maple trees - if you don't intervene. How to recognize fungal infestation and treat an affected maple tree.
How do you recognize and treat red pustule disease on maple trees?
The red pustule disease on the maple is manifested by red pustules on the bark as well as brownish discoloration and wilted shoot tips in spring. To treat infected trees, affected shoots should be cut back to he althy wood and wound closure agents should be applied to cuts.
How do I recognize red pustule disease on maple trees?
You can recognize advanced red pustule disease by smallred pustules on the maple bark. This is a fungal infection. If no action is taken, the red pustule fungus (Nectria cinnabarina) will continue to spread. Then it's not just the bark of the plant that is affected. The he alth of the maple becomes increasingly weakened and ulcers or secondary diseases can also arise. The earlier you recognize and treat the disease, the less complicated the treatment is.
How do I recognize red pustule disease early?
Brownish color of the bark and wilted shoot tips in spring are early signs of red pustule disease. If these changes appear in summer or already in spring, it is best to react immediately. The red fruit bodies usually only appear later, when the fungus has already spread more widely in the deciduous trees.
How do I treat an affected maple tree?
Cutting Cut back the he althy parts of the maple affected by red pustule disease. When pruning, proceed as follows:
- Use a sharp cutting tool.
- Disinfect the blade thoroughly.
- Consistently cut back affected shoots.
- Make sure the cuts are smooth.
- Remove all clippings from the garden.
Since the maple tends to bleed when a larger cut is made, you should seal these cuts with a suitable wound closure agent (€10.00 on Amazon). Otherwise, the next fungal disease could afflict the wood here.
Which maple trees are susceptible to red pustule disease?
The red pustule disease affectsweakened maple treesThis is why it is also referred to as a weakness parasite. Typically the disease occurs after incorrect care, in an unsuitable location or due to errors in pruning. So it's best to take a closer look at what the maple could be missing.
Tip
Choose a good location and fertilize the maple
If you choose a location that is as suitable as possible and fertilize the maple occasionally, you can prevent red pustule disease on the maple.
