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Japanese Maple Leaf Spots: Phyllosticta Fungus — Mostly Cosmetic

Japanese maple has brown spots all over leaves. Owner asks if tree is dead or savable.

Diagnosis: Phyllosticta Leaf Spot

Fungal disease on Amur, Japanese, red, silver maples. Circular tan spots with purple-red borders. Black fruiting bodies in rings later. Minimal health impact — infection localized, late-season.

Management

No spray needed — damage slight.
If desired: Fungicide (mancozeb or chlorothalonil) at bud break next spring. Won't remove existing spots.
Sanitation: Rake and remove fallen leaves to reduce spores.

Tree is not dead. Spots are cosmetic; health unaffected.

Trees: Phyllosticta Leaf Spot on Japanese Maple: Cosmetic Late-Season Fungus; Bark Peeling on Mature Japanese Maple: Sunscald or Something Else?; New Japanese Maple Brown Leaf Spots: Phyllosticta Leaf Spot; Japanese Maple Leaf Spots: Phyllosticta (Purple Eye); Maple Leaf Spot: Phyllosticta—Mostly Cosmetic; Phyllosticta Leaf Spot on Young Maple; Maple Leaf Spot: Phyllosticta Diagnosis and Management; Recovering a Japanese Maple After Severe Topping; Minor Leaf Spots on Young Japanese Maple; Japanese Maple Pruning: Timing, Tools, and Techniques for Elegant Form

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