My horse chestnut tree leaves got blotchy last year. Is there something I can do this year to prevent that?

Leaf Blotch (Guinardia aesculi): this is a fungus, which causes large chestnut-red or dull brown, irregular blotches to be seen on the leaves, from mid summer. These are often concentrated at the tips and margins of the leaves, and are often outlined by a conspicuous yellow band. Severely browned leaves are rolled upwards longitudinally, and whole leaves fall prematurely.





The effects may be considered unsightly, but as the damage occurs after most growth has taken place, it has little effect on the general health of the tree. It is often mistaken for early autumn onset, but autumn colour changes are fairly uniform, not irregularly blotchy. It is commonly found on most varieties of Horse Chestnut in this country.





There are no specific controls available, but it is believed that the fungus over-winters on fallen leaves, and develops in the spring to infect new leaves. Raking up, and disposing of fallen leaves may, therefore, be helpful.