Dropping leaves every year as we get close to July... - Ask Extension
We have had this tree for several years; it is located in our yard where birds and squirrels enjoy it very much. By August all the leaves have dropped...
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Dropping leaves every year as we get close to July... #874286
Asked June 23, 2024, 12:55 PM EDT
We have had this tree for several years; it is located in our yard where birds and squirrels enjoy it very much. By August all the leaves have dropped. We tried spraying it with a fungicide very year in the fall to no avail. Any ideas of how we can treat the tree and avoid the annual leaf dropping? It is a hawthorn tree. Thank you.
Medina County Ohio
Expert Response
Hello Christine,
Unfortunately I cannot advise YET on how to manage your problem since the tree is not exhibiting symptoms at this time. Do you have photos of the problem from past years? If so, please send.
I recommend bringing a sample branch into your county Extension office when symptoms appear. For Medina this is located at 4046 Medina Rd., Medina OH 44256. They can take a look for symptoms of common hawthorn problems and offer recommendations. There are a few diseases, rusts, and other problems that could be involved and would need confirmation.
Alternatively, you can opt to send a branch sample - when symptoms are present- directly to the OSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic in Wooster, Ohio. The clinic will culture your branch tissue for any fungus or bacterial pathogens that might be causing the issue. The county extension offices cannot do microbial culturing in house. You can find information on the plant clinic here including how to send a sample and the submission form: https://ppdc.osu.edu/. Cost is $20.00 that they will bill you with the results. You can take the sample in person by calling the office and arranging a drop off time, or you can mail the sample overnight shipping to the clinic at your expense.
You mentioned in your message that you have sprayed in fall. I will add that most fungal infections must be treated preventatively and not curatively. Meaning you must spray early in spring to prevent the fungus from infesting new leaf tissues. Cool wet weather often facilitates infection as well.
Here is a factsheet on common problems of hawthorn.
https://extension.psu.edu/hawthorn-diseases
Do get in touch with your county office if/when symptoms recur on your hawthorn for additional support.
Unfortunately I cannot advise YET on how to manage your problem since the tree is not exhibiting symptoms at this time. Do you have photos of the problem from past years? If so, please send.
I recommend bringing a sample branch into your county Extension office when symptoms appear. For Medina this is located at 4046 Medina Rd., Medina OH 44256. They can take a look for symptoms of common hawthorn problems and offer recommendations. There are a few diseases, rusts, and other problems that could be involved and would need confirmation.
Alternatively, you can opt to send a branch sample - when symptoms are present- directly to the OSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic in Wooster, Ohio. The clinic will culture your branch tissue for any fungus or bacterial pathogens that might be causing the issue. The county extension offices cannot do microbial culturing in house. You can find information on the plant clinic here including how to send a sample and the submission form: https://ppdc.osu.edu/. Cost is $20.00 that they will bill you with the results. You can take the sample in person by calling the office and arranging a drop off time, or you can mail the sample overnight shipping to the clinic at your expense.
You mentioned in your message that you have sprayed in fall. I will add that most fungal infections must be treated preventatively and not curatively. Meaning you must spray early in spring to prevent the fungus from infesting new leaf tissues. Cool wet weather often facilitates infection as well.
Here is a factsheet on common problems of hawthorn.
https://extension.psu.edu/hawthorn-diseases
Do get in touch with your county office if/when symptoms recur on your hawthorn for additional support.
