What are some of the diseases of red maple trees?

Common diseases affecting red maple trees are Verticillium wilt, anthracnose and tar spot. Insects also destroy maple trees. Red maples are very susceptible to disease.

A common fungus called Verticillium causes Verticillium wilt, also known as maple wilt. White spots and scorched, undersized leaves indicate that the tree is infected by Verticillium. Once infected, the tree dies very quickly, usually within two months.

Anthracnose, caused by the pathogen Discula, causes the tree to shed its leaves excessively and resembles frost damage. Tar spot, or acerinum, is distinguished by the black spots it forms on maple leaves. Insects such as aphids and Asian longhorned beetles also infest maple trees.