The township recently planted some sugar maple trees on our belevard. The trees don't look to healthy, there very thin and stunted. Also, every leaf has a large round black dot on it and the edges of the leaf are brown and dried out.

Any ideas as to the problem? And what are the black dots on the leafs?

Reply to post by Chris, on October 22, 2002 at 18:39:55:

The brown edges usually indicate drought stress, which on new trees was terrific this year in many areas of the country--it was here in the NE. Black spots on maples often indicate tar spot, a fungal disease that attacks leaves late in the season, hence is usually not a serious concern for the trees. Again, here in the NE it was quite widespread this season.
But if you really want to know, take some samples to your local Extension office and pay the $10 or whatever it is where you are to find out.