I live in Oxford, England. Every year, in July, black tar spots begin to appear on my Liquidambar tree leaves, which die from the outside edge inwards, turn red prematurely, and most fall off before the great Fall colour spectacle I have awaited all year. Has anyone else experienced his, and can you provide any advie/suggestions. The trees have been in current situ for 10 years, and grow normally from Spring until the problem appears annually in July.
No Liquidambar foliage diseases mentioned in Phillips & Burdekin Diseases of Forest and Ornamental Trees. Possibly something abiotic related to the species' poor adaptation to the cold summers in Britain? Photos (preferably close-ups) would certainly help.
Here's some close-ups. It's possible the issue is simply the wrong soil, as it's very sandy here, but I would appreciate any thoughts.
i presume that in the sand soil the root system of Liquidambar not receive a good % of water,because sand soil have a fast drainage,one solutions is pine bark around the trunk,and more watering in summer..another is :fertilize with natural fertilize of cow or horse,in autumn.
