Mr. Hannon - would it be possible to email some photos of your trees to:  <personal data hidden>

It would be helpful for the help desk to see: 

1. Tree Leaves: 1-2 close-up well-focused pictures of leaves.  One leaf just starting to show signs and a bad leaf w/a full set of shot-holes.  It also helps to see the front of the leaf and the back of the same leaf to better target characteristics for fungus, bacteria, insect, etc.  This will help us confirm your diagnosis. 

To better help us recommend cultural controls you could also send us photos of a representative sample tree's: 
 
2. Base of the Tree: 1-2 pictures about an arm-length away from where the tree / plant meets the ground. We are looking for girdling roots &/or too deep planting, mulch volcanoes. Include any damaged areas, bark splitting, etc.

2. Overall Tree: 1 picture from a distance that shows full tree. We are trying to see if the top or the bottom has dead branches, or if one side of tree/shrub is greatly different from the other side.

2. Plant Branch: If you have any dying branches please send 1-2 photos of the branch tips and the interior branch. 

While the Loudoun Help Desk is happy to review your tree photos, we also will frequently recommend when multiple high value trees in a home landscape are having problems they should consider contacting a "certified arborist" to professionally evaluate their tree issues.   

-Becky 

A few more photos. 

On Tue, Jun 11, 2024 at 9:38 AM, Ask Extension

<<personal data hidden>> wrote:

Hi.  Thanks for getting back so quick.  Here's a few photos.  May have to send in multiple emails due to file size.

I'm not sure if you hot all of these yesterday 

On Tue, Jun 11, 2024 at 9:11 AM, Ask Extension

<<personal data hidden>> wrote:

Dear James,

Thank you for using Ask Extension. A request for support has been created and a representative will follow-up with you as soon as possible. Questions are usually answered within two business days. You can view this question's progress online.

YOUR QUESTION #0142472:

Cherry shot hole in Hillsboro

I have 3 Cherrt trees that I believe have cherry shot hole.  Leaves are turning yellow and dropping with the hole pattern that I have seen on line to indicate cherry shot.  I'm concerned about using a fungicide due to our dogs and grandchildren who play in that area of the yard.  I'm curious what alternate treatments may be?  Should I fertilize?  Anything organic?  Just let it run its course naturally?  Any suggestions would be great.  Thanks

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Jim - Yes we agree with your diagnosis :) The two pathogens that commonly produce these symptoms on Cherry leaves are bacterial leaf spot caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas pruni or a fungal leaf spot Blumeriella jaapii. Both diseases are favored by Loudoun's wet spring weather this year.  As you may already know, by mid summer, Infected leaves can completely turn yellow and drop from your trees. Ref: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/cherry-shot-hole-disease
https://bygl.osu.edu/index.php/node/1879

When the majority of cherry leaves have fallen we recommend that all leaf litter surrounding your cherry trees be removed for the burn pile or bagged for the landfill so pathogens do not overwinter under your trees. 

1. Pruning can be used to provide better air circulation and promote faster leaf drying which will reduce leaf spot. For your (3) trees we recommend you work with a professional tree service to remove the fewest number of live branches needed to allow more air and light to reach the interior of your trees. The best time to prune your ornamental cherry trees is typically late winter or early spring, just before the tree starts to bud and bloom. This timing allows the tree's structure to be clearly seen and to then clearly make only necessary cuts. Pruning is best performed after following several dry days, which helps to minimize the spread of diseases and pests. Wounds will also heal more quickly heading into the active growing season. We do not recommend pruning in late summer or fall unless a tree limb is damaged/dead. Pruning late in the season can stimulate growth which can make your trees more vulnerable to winter damage. Please see the following link: https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/430/430-456/430-456.html

Based on your level of leaf loss this year, and after pruning late winter/early spring, If Loudoun is seeing excessive rain you can contact a licensed arborist about applying two fungicide treatments.

2. Water your trees if Loudoun again sees long periods of high summer heat and any summer or Fall drought before moving into dormancy. Over multiple years, heat and drought can significantly stress trees which can increase the potential for insects and disease. Maintaining a healthy tree reduces this impact. See How to water a tree: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/watering-trees-and-shrubs/

3. Fertilizer. The Help desk does not typically recommend any quick release fertilizers without first recommending you test the soil around your cherry trees. Please see a follow up email from the HD if you want to pick up a soil test kit. VCE does recommend compost be provided for your trees. After the tree has been pruned, place about 1 inch of a good quality compost around the tree typically out to the drip line. Cover this with a mulch while avoiding mulch volcanoes and mulch touching the tree. The slow release compost and mulch can impact the soil structure and keep the soil temp cooler, improving moisture retention and soil fertility around your trees.

We will also be sending you a follow up email on "finding an arborist." We hope this info helps you and your family to continue to enjoy your cherry trees!
-Becky