Flowering crab trees dropping leaves - Ask Extension
Hi, This year like no other my flowering crab trees (6 Red Splendor variety) are dropping leaves (50% at least). And I can't help but notice other cra...
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Flowering crab trees dropping leaves #879870
Asked August 02, 2024, 10:43 AM EDT
Hi, This year like no other my flowering crab trees (6 Red Splendor variety) are dropping leaves (50% at least). And I can't help but notice other crab trees in the community in some cases are nearly defoliated. Will this lead to the trees dying? Will they revive next spring?
My trees are all at least 12 years old. I do not wish to have to treat them with chemicals year after year. They are too big to thoroughly cover-spray anyway. Should I expect this will be the new normal for them?
Cannot recall this much of a problem before.
Thank you
Martin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Without a picture of the tree and a closeup of the leaves, it is not possible to identify disease that may be present. Healthy trees can lose up to 50% of leaves and still be okay. They may even grow new leaves yet this year. The causes of leaf drop can be varied from drought stress to disease. See the website for details.
https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/fruit/apple/index.html
Since you have six trees and they all seem to be affected we recommend an onsite inspection by an arborist.
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional
https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/fruit/apple/index.html
Since you have six trees and they all seem to be affected we recommend an onsite inspection by an arborist.
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional
