Chinese Apricot Shothole Treatment - Ask Extension
I have a 3-year-old Chinese Apricot that has lost its leaves in late July over the last two summers. Several bunches of leaves grow back pretty quickl...
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Chinese Apricot Shothole Treatment #856780
Asked December 30, 2023, 12:14 PM EST
I have a 3-year-old Chinese Apricot that has lost its leaves in late July over the last two summers. Several bunches of leaves grow back pretty quickly and last until fall drop-off in late October. Before it's leaves are shed each summer, the leaves get brown holes, turn yellow, and drop. I believe it's shothole disease based on what I've read. What is the recommended treatment for shothole disease? I live in Aurora, CO.
Adams County Colorado
Expert Response
Daniel,
Holes in leaves can be caused by many different issues. Is there a chance you took some photographs? If it is something like shothole, this is a fungal issue, the first and simplest thing to do is to ensure the tree is well pruned, with good air movement, and to remove leaves after they have fallen.
~ Cassey
Holes in leaves can be caused by many different issues. Is there a chance you took some photographs? If it is something like shothole, this is a fungal issue, the first and simplest thing to do is to ensure the tree is well pruned, with good air movement, and to remove leaves after they have fallen.
~ Cassey
Hi Cassey,
My apricot is losing its leaves again. Ugh. Attached are some pictures of the tree on July 14 and then again today with most of its leaves dropped. What has happened every year since planting the tree is that the majority of the leaves drop and then some of the leaves grow back. Any thoughts on what might be going on? Should I just call a tree service?
Hi Daniel,
I'm sorry your tree is having issues. From the discoloration of the leaves I'm wondering if there is a nutrient issue, either too much or too little of a particular nutrient causing leaf stress leading to loss. It would be a good idea to get a soil test. You can take 6-8 samples in the area around the tree about 6" deep. Mix up the soil and send about 2 cups of material in to be tested (a ziplock bag or old plastic jar both work well). There are several good choices for labs:
CSU Soil and Water testing lab at SPUR
Weld Labs
Ward Labs
From there we can chat about your results.
I'm sorry your tree is having issues. From the discoloration of the leaves I'm wondering if there is a nutrient issue, either too much or too little of a particular nutrient causing leaf stress leading to loss. It would be a good idea to get a soil test. You can take 6-8 samples in the area around the tree about 6" deep. Mix up the soil and send about 2 cups of material in to be tested (a ziplock bag or old plastic jar both work well). There are several good choices for labs:
CSU Soil and Water testing lab at SPUR
Weld Labs
Ward Labs
From there we can chat about your results.
