Knowledgebase
Small Serviceberry tree diagnosed with rust fungus - would like input on treatment plan #876597
Asked July 10, 2024, 12:34 AM EDT
My serviceberry was planted in my front yard Dec 2022 and has been doing well until recently. The business that secured and planted it for me diagnosed it with rust fungus. They recommend trimming off all dead twiggy branches and spraying with fungicide to save it. Is this the best approach? Can this fungus kill my tree?
Wake County North Carolina
Expert Response
Rust will not kill your serviceberry. If the entire bush is covered in fungus, it may be unhealthy, and you may wish to pull it up and discard it. Fungicide, pruning and proper sanitation are the recommended treatments for rust. Pick up any debris off the ground and dispose of it as diseases can overwinter in infected plant debris.
Serviceberry is susceptible to rust fungi and the fungus requires 2 hosts living in relatively close proximity — juniper and your serviceberry. If you have cedar or juniper trees in the area of your serviceberry, you may want to inspect these nearby trees in late winter or early spring and look for and prune out any brown, woolly galls. This step will help control the fungal infection on these plants, and later on your serviceberry.
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension. Please contact us if you have additional questions.
