Fungus on Amur maple

Hello,

There is fungus on my Amur maple leaves. I had a little bit last year, but I managed it by simply removing the affected leaves and using an anti-fungal spray. It was minimal. Perhaps one leaf out of 20 affected. I sprayed my tree this year before the buds opened.

However, my neighbours in the back planted a new maple last fall and I suspect it has spread fungus to my tree this year as I noticed theirs was full of it. I read that this condition is not something threatening to my tree in the short term but should be addressed going forward. Is this correct? I will have to talk to the neighbours about having them spray their tree next spring.

In the meantime, should I remove leaves off my tree, or just let it be?

Any advice is welcome. Thanks!

Looks like phyllosticta fungal leaf spot (Phyllosticta minima).

Phyllo infection occurs on wet leaves via water-splashed spores. Treatment includes preventative measures to interrupt the life cycle of the fungi in addition to spraying with a fungicide containing mancozeb or chlorothalonil.

Remove and destroy infected leaves. Spray with fungicide. When watering, water the root zone, not the leaves as this fungus thrives on damp leaves. Continue to clear leaves on your property when trees begin to shed leaves in the fall.

Thanks. I will move the tree to the front of the house where it will be covered from rain and away from other infected trees.