New Hampshire Maples Suffering Effects of Fungus

 

Early fall is the time of year when New Hampshire maple leaves are beginning to turn from green into brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow. Many of the maples in Portsmouth, N.H. have lost their leaves early due to tar spot disease and leaf anthracnose, leaving residents with piles of dead, brown leaves in their yards. photo courtesy of whyy.org

Thousands of tourists visit New England each fall to view the spectacular display of fall foliage as the leaves change color before dropping off for the winter. That may not be the case in Portsmouth, N.H. this fall season due to a fungal disease that has affected Norway maple trees in the area.

?EUR??,,????'??I?EUR??,,????'???ve been here over 10 years and that?EUR??,,????'???s the first time I?EUR??,,????'???ve ever seen anything like that,?EUR??,,????'?? said Portsmouth resident Wayne Whitaker.

The disease has turned maple leaves brown leaving yards full of the dead leaves. City officials have discovered that the trees are suffering from tar spot disease and leaf anthracnose both of which are caused by fungus. It is believed that the warm, wet spring that New Hampshire experienced is to blame for the fungus.

?EUR??,,????'??This time of year, the leaves will start turning to the brilliant colors we see throughout the state,?EUR??,,????'?? said Steve Parkinson of the Department of Public Works. ?EUR??,,????'??And in this particular case, they?EUR??,,????'???re turning brown rather than the colorful display that we normally have.?EUR??,,????'??

Currently, officials do not believe the fungus is an environmental concern. However, if the fungus continues to plague the maples, it could become a problem.

The fungus is spread by wind and rain which spread spores that grow on leaves, transferring them to other trees nearby. The city of Portsmouth is urging residents to rake up the infected leaves and bag them for curbside pickup.