Should I Kill this Maple Sapling?

[merwin]

Please tell me if I should end the life of this Red Maple sapling.
I planted it in the street yard of a neighbor who said his plants always die.

This summer, I see why.

The leaves started showing a horrible black mold. I am able to contain it with
Neem Oil. And sprayed leaves stay healthy. Now, I believe the problem is because
his soil is contaminated.

I just had a horrible thought.
As the tree gets bigger, I won't be able to reach the upper leaves, and hand spraying
won't be feasible.

Even worse: When the leaves drop, they will spread this mold to other yards.
There are a lot of healthy maples in our neighborhood. The leaves from this maple
could contaminate a lot of other trees all over the place.

It could be a real disaster.

Now, I'm thinking I should immediately cut this tree down before autumn, and
tell the neighbor not to grow anything until he eradicates the mold from his
yard.

(BTW I care for the tree, because he's too busy & broke.)

Your advice will be most welcome, and could save a major blight.

Thanks-

 

[Brocky]

Could just be tar spots, a common malady of maples. I think the only recommendation is to rake up all the leaves in the fall, to keep it from concentrating around the tree. A picture of the leaves would help to be sure.

 

[merwin]

Thanks for the advice. I think you're right about the tar spots. Very happy not to put this sweet little tree away.

 

[JD3000]

Second tar spots bit a picture would help

 

[CutHighnLetFly]

Take it outback and shoot it