Q&A - Why does my tulip poplar have black spots?
Question:
I have a Tulip Poplar tree. A few years ago black spots began showing on the leaves. They return every year. I think I see them again this year. Why does my tulip poplar always get black spots on the leaves?
Answer:
The black spots are most likely caused by sooty mold which is the result of tulip poplar scales or aphids. The creatures suck the sap from the tree and excrete a sugary substance which the sooty mold feeds on. The aphids and scales will not kill the tree but of course they cause the unsightly black spots. If the tree is small you can apply an insecticide to kill the insects. If the tree is large you can use a systemic insecticide. If you don’t want to use insecticides you can take a hose end sprayer and wash off the sooty mold with dish detergent.
Related Videos:
Scale
Holly Scale and Sooty Mold
Aphids on Tomatoes
Related Resources:
Liriodendron tulipifera: Tuliptree
Tulip Poplar Diseases
Tuliptree Scale
I have a Tulip Poplar tree. A few years ago black spots began showing on the leaves. They return every year. I think I see them again this year. Why does my tulip poplar always get black spots on the leaves?
Answer:
The black spots are most likely caused by sooty mold which is the result of tulip poplar scales or aphids. The creatures suck the sap from the tree and excrete a sugary substance which the sooty mold feeds on. The aphids and scales will not kill the tree but of course they cause the unsightly black spots. If the tree is small you can apply an insecticide to kill the insects. If the tree is large you can use a systemic insecticide. If you don’t want to use insecticides you can take a hose end sprayer and wash off the sooty mold with dish detergent.
Related Videos:
Scale
Holly Scale and Sooty Mold
Aphids on Tomatoes
Related Resources:
Liriodendron tulipifera: Tuliptree
Tulip Poplar Diseases
Tuliptree Scale