Q.Red Sunset Maple Trees
How to get rid of black tar fungus on one side and very tiny black specks that get sticky on the underneath side of the leaves. I have trimmed off all of the leaves with the fungi that I find and check every day for more. 2 of the 4, 6-7 ft trees are now leafless the other 2 about 2/3 to 1/2still there. HELP what can I do to save them?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
It may be aphid insects and the black looking fungus could be sooty mold. The mold is caused by the sticky honeydew excreted by the insects. These articles should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/aphids-tree-disease.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm
Here is what to do if it is tar spot fungus:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/maple/maple-tar-spot-disease.htm
