Acer saccharinum Fine Webbing - Causes & Fixes

Jump to cause: Spider Mite Infestation European Red Mite Webbing Defoliators (e.g., Tent Caterpillars)

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Spider Mite Infestation

Two-spotted spider mites are the most common cause of fine silk webbing on Silver Maples, especially during hot, dry periods. They feed on the undersides of leaves, causing stippling and eventual leaf drop.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Hold a white piece of paper under a leaf and tap the leaf to see if tiny moving dots fall onto it.

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shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Apply an organic insecticide/miticide spray to the leaves, ensuring you coat the undersides where the mites reside, to eliminate existing pests and eggs.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Increase local humidity around the tree by misting the foliage regularly, as spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions.

Flora Premium Plant Mister

Spray Bottles

$12

In Stock

3 Monitor soil moisture levels to ensure the tree is not under drought stress, which can make it more susceptible to infestations.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue

Water Meters

$12

In Stock

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European Red Mite

These mites thrive in similar conditions to spider mites but are specifically known for causing bronzing or discoloration on maple foliage alongside fine webbing. They often emerge in late summer when the tree is under drought stress.

Common

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How to confirm: Observe if the webbing is accompanied by a distinct bronze or reddish tint on the leaf surfaces.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Apply an organic miticide or insecticide spray to the foliage to eliminate the mites and their eggs.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Increase soil moisture and reduce drought stress by ensuring regular, deep watering during late summer.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter SMM-V3

Water Meters

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3 Prune and dispose of heavily infested or dead branches to prevent the mites from spreading to healthy parts of the tree.

Fiskars 5/8" Bypass Pruning Shears

Cutting Tools

$13

In Stock

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Webbing Defoliators (e.g., Tent Caterpillars)

While often forming larger, more structural nests in crotches of branches, certain lepidoptera larvae can create fine silken webs around clusters of maple leaves as they feed.

Common

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How to confirm: Inspect the web for small green caterpillars or visible silk-wrapped leaf bundles.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Inspect the undersides of leaves and branch clusters for larvae or eggs, and manually remove any visible nests or caterpillars to reduce the population.

2 Apply an organic insecticide spray to the affected areas to target any remaining larvae and prevent further feeding damage.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

3 Prune away heavily infested branches during the dormant season to prevent the spread of webbing to healthy parts of the tree.

Fiskars 5/8" Bypass Pruning Shears

Cutting Tools

$13

In Stock