Knowledgebase

Allegehny Serviceberry Problem #880023

Asked August 03, 2024, 12:25 PM EDT

As you can see from the attached pics our Serviceberry tree leaves are encountering something that is attacking them and leaving them in a lace like condition. Just about ever branch on the tree has some leaves that are brown, similar to your description of Rust, and some that have progressed to the "lace" condition. The underside of the leaves do not show any bugs. The top of the tree has also just sprouted some white flowers. I'd appreciate some information on what you believe is happening and what I should do about it. Thank you, Peter J.

Anne Arundel County Maryland

Expert Response

Sometimes trees will flower out of season with they are stressed. It could be due to the heat or drought. Are you providing supplemental watering when needed? 

The leaves mostly look like damage from scarab beetle feeding so perhaps  Japanese beetles or other night feeding beetles. We don't see much signs of rust on the leaves. Even if rust does appear there isn't much you can do about it as fungicide treatments would need to be applied prior to the rust forming and then consecutively throughout the growing season. The treatments aren't curative and only preventative and still are not a 100% foolproof method. However, rusts doesn't typically affect the overall health of the tree though and is more so just an unsightly condition. 

The beetle feedings doesn't seem to be overly concerning either. You can try to look for them in the evening and hand pick or shake them into a container of soapy water. There isn't an insecticide that would be warranted as it could harm beneficial insects in the process and the tree should recover from the feeding. 

Let us know if you have further questions. 

Emily

Loading ...