"Tar Spots" blemishing area maple leaves, but not hurting them
Read more: Local, Tar Spots, Fungus, Fall, Leaves
MARQUETTE -- If you're still raking leaves, you may notice something different about that pile of leaves, especially if they're from maple trees.
A fungal disease called Tar Spot is producing black spots all over the leaves of maple trees.
The disease is spreading throughout the area, especially on Norway maples.
Over the past five years, there's been a significant increase in the amount of infected trees.
The fungus is present year-round, but it's most noticeable in the fall when the leaves begin to change color.
"It doesn't hurt the tree in any way," said Paul Albert, Marquette City Arborist. "It's limited almost exclusively to maple trees and mostly on Norway maples, but it does no harm to the tree whatsoever. It simply causes concern because of how unsightly it is in the fall."
There are no known ways to cure or treat Tar Spots.
