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Tree Trouble #869975

Asked May 24, 2024, 4:23 PM EDT

Hello! I have a serviceberry tree that has not been doing well for a couple years. Last year I thought it was due to the wildfire smoke, but something else is going on. The leaves are getting brown spots on them, some have holes as well, and then the leaves turn yellow/orange and die. This started happening as the buds were opening up and has continued to happen and expand. At the time the buds were opening, I saw many tiny gnats/flies around the buds, which I thought may be causing the issues. The brown spots seemed to be more at the leaf edge and would curl a bit. Now the spots are all over. The bark has quite a bit of lichen. I've seen no other insects except a few twice stabbed lady beetles on the bark. I'm not sure how old the tree is, but I've lived here for 5 years. The tree has seemed in decline for the last 2-ish years. The community I live in was made 23 years ago, so it may be around that age. It is located on a berm. Right across the road is a small agricultural farm and airfield. There has been some vole activity near the roots in the last two years, but not extensive. I've included pictures below of the leaves. I'm also having some trouble with the linden tree next to it with leaves with holes in them and the burning bush that is at the front of the house also getting red spots on the leaves then dying. I'll submit those as separate requests so I can submit pictures of those as well. Thanks for your help!

Washtenaw County Michigan

Expert Response

It's possible that you have cedar apple rust. It can infect several hosts in the rose family. This includes apples, hawthorns, and serviceberry. It typically does not cause severe damage, and does not need to be treated. It is possible that your plant is experiencing other issues that is making it grow slowly, and cedar apple rust is simply taking advantage of a weakened plant. You may notice spike shaped bumps, emerge from the fruit or leaves when the environment is just right.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/cedar_apple_rust_a_tale_of_a_fungal_disease_with_two_hosts

https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/cedar-apple-rust#managing-rust-on-apples%2C-hawthorns%2C-and-other-plants-in-the-rosaceae-family-1172760

Since it is planted on a berm, I would suspect that something is happening with the soil that is causing the plant to be in poor health. It could be related to compaction, soil type, pH, or improper planting from the beginning. It's really hard to know. If you can send us a picture of the whole plant from a distance, and the base of the tree, that may help.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 28, 2024, 9:59 AM EDT

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