What is the best thing to do for a Maple tree that looks like the new growth has rust on the leaves?

Question

The tree has had some rust looking leaves on it for the last couple years and we assumed it may be a lack of rain.

Answer 1

It sounds like exposure to the sun in combination with a lack of rain. It should be fine however you may want to water it occasionally in a drought situation. When trees are little they are developing their infastructure, just like we develop and grow our skeleton and they really do need water to thrive and grow.

Answer 2

hmmm, I'm not familiar with a rust on maples, on hawthorns yes. I'm thinking more along the lines of Anthracnose:

Anthracnose (fungus - Gloeosporium apocryptum): In rainy seasons this disease may be serious on silver maples and Japanese maples. Irregular, light to reddish-brown, or purplish-brown, dead areas occur on the leaves. Many spots occur along the veins. Areas often enlarge killing the entire leaf. Leaves partially killed appear as if scorched. Many infected leaves drop in late spring. Twigs may die back. Collect and destroy fallen leaves. Spraying with a recommended fungicide when buds begin to unfold in the spring and again in 10 to 20 days will help prevent infection.

Answer 3

spray a fungicide