Black Walnut Tree - Grosse Ile - Ask Extension
I have a black walnut tree that only grew leaves on a portion of it's branches. This is the first year that this has happened. The tree to the right...
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Black Walnut Tree - Grosse Ile #873930
Asked June 20, 2024, 1:28 PM EDT
I have a black walnut tree that only grew leaves on a portion of it's branches. This is the first year that this has happened. The tree to the right of it, also a black walnut, had grown leaves with no issues. See attached pictures. Is there anything that can be done to save this tree? Thank you.
Wayne County Michigan
Expert Response
Good Afternoon,
The dieback of your black walnut tree could be a sign of Thousand Cankers Disease (TCD), which is a disease that primarily affects black walnut trees. TCD is caused by a combination of the fungus Geosmithia morbida and the Walnut Twig Beetle. The disease is known to cause cankers that can girdle branches and trunks, and trees can die in two to five years. If black walnut trees have wilting leaves or dying branches during the summer, check the tree carefully. If there is no obvious cause of the problem, such as a broken branch, note the location of the suspect tree and report it. Identifying the tiny walnut twig beetles and confirming the presence of TCD requires specialized expertise.
Thousand Cankers Disease | Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (usda.gov)
You could also have a certified arborist come out to diagnose the disease and advise on appropriate treatment. The arborist does an onsite visit. Direct link: https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/arboristsearch
Another option is to get a confirmed diagnosis from the MSU Diagnostic Plant & Pest Lab - Please email your digital images prior to bringing or sending physical samples. It can be sent to <personal data hidden>.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/submit-samples/
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
The dieback of your black walnut tree could be a sign of Thousand Cankers Disease (TCD), which is a disease that primarily affects black walnut trees. TCD is caused by a combination of the fungus Geosmithia morbida and the Walnut Twig Beetle. The disease is known to cause cankers that can girdle branches and trunks, and trees can die in two to five years. If black walnut trees have wilting leaves or dying branches during the summer, check the tree carefully. If there is no obvious cause of the problem, such as a broken branch, note the location of the suspect tree and report it. Identifying the tiny walnut twig beetles and confirming the presence of TCD requires specialized expertise.
Email: <personal data hidden>
Invasive Species: Thousand Cankers Disease (michigan.gov)Thousand Cankers Disease | Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (usda.gov)
You could also have a certified arborist come out to diagnose the disease and advise on appropriate treatment. The arborist does an onsite visit. Direct link: https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/arboristsearch
Another option is to get a confirmed diagnosis from the MSU Diagnostic Plant & Pest Lab - Please email your digital images prior to bringing or sending physical samples. It can be sent to <personal data hidden>.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/submit-samples/
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
