Photo: Chaiel Schaffel/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Fall foliage is in peak form in many New England areas.
But along with the vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges, there is some leaf discoloring taking place that is not welcome.
You may have noticed leaves on and off trees marred by unsightly black spots caused by a fungal disease scientifically known as rhytisma acerinum. "Tar spot, bright dark lesions, are most common on maples," said Dan Cohen of Hartney Greymont Tree Care Company.
Tar spot can grow lesions as large as ping pong balls in both maple and sycamore trees.
Cohen said the fungal disease starts in the spring and is found throughout North America and Europe. "As the season progresses, the leaf's tissue actually dies. That's when it becomes dark brown, black, and just generally becomes more noticeable late summer towards the fall."
Cohen added that tar spot is more cosmetic than anything, causing no real damage to the trees.
WBZ NewsRadio's Chaiel Schaffel (@CSchaffelWBZ) reports.