Sugar Maple White Spots: Harmless Lichens, Real Issue Likely Planting or Herbicide

White Spots = Lichens

The white bark spots are lichens—symbiotic algae/fungus, harmless, not a disease. They indicate good air quality and thin canopy.

Real Concerns

1. Herbicide damage: "Weed and Feed" near tree kills roots. Stop use immediately.
2. Planting hole issues: Clay "pot effect" restricts roots. Hole should be 2x root ball width, backfilled with native soil.

Recovery Plan

• Fertilize: 10-10-10 at 1 lb/inch trunk diameter, scattered to drip line, water in or before rain.
• Mulch wide, not deep.
• No herbicides within 20 ft of trunk.

Outlook

If roots can expand into native soil, canopy will thicken, lichens will naturally decrease.