this is a very large fast growing tree.. and it probably shouldnt be closer than 30 to 40 feet from the hosue ...

minor leaf damage is irellevant.. imo ... the leaf is still functioning 99.9% ...

there is nothing to do about it at this time...

i would write it off as shipping.. from grower.. to seller.. to you .. and or transplant stresses ..

ignore it ...

i dont know what the pot pic is.. but you could do better with media for a tree ... and that tiny a tree .. might better off in a smaller pot.. even if you just stick the smaller in the larger ... [unless that it when you started it a few years back.. and you prevailed.. then 2 thumbs up]

most trees want a sip of water.. then near total drainage.. your media has too much peat.. and could stay too wet.. unless you just dont water it all that often.. and let it near dry ...

ken

ps: my two foot whip stick planted 15 years ago.. is now at least 35 feet tall.. and 20wide .. basically thru the windows on the second level.. in the building in the pic... lol ..

Ken, I believe the seedling in the pot is the same tree. OP says they started it in a pot.

I agree it’s too close to the house.

Yes it's the same tree from what's in the pot. It's been in the ground for the 3rd year now and has had those spots every year that's why I am worried. I doubt it has anything to do with it being transplanted since it's been so long. I remember when I dug the hole the soil at least the top layer was very black which I heard was lack of oxygen under grass. I have another tree of the same type a couple miles away and it does not have this issue and the area City trees don't have it. I know the tree is close to the structure but keep in mind this is Los Angeles so we don't have acres of open space. And the City of Beverly Hills had planted 4 miles with all this type of tree all really close to the structures and they are doing fine. They sure are messy. When they drop the seeds and the leaves the rain gutters get filled accordingly. Overall they are OK, and when you compare them to the Jacaranda which is popular in some areas they are a blessing. Poplar Tulip Trees Beverly Hills

Do the spots scrape off easily with a fingernail? I notice they’re all positioned along the leaf veins and I wonder if it’s scale.

It does not scrape off so not scale. When it does this, the entire leaf will get brown and die. Only tree that has the issue so I feel it has something to do with water or the soil. Here are some close pictures of the front and back of leaves. Ignore the different color.