european hornbeam and smokeplant problem - Ask Extension
Hi, I have a ~3 year old smokeplant with unusual pattern occurring in the leaves. It seems to be spreading across branches. Last year, one of the maj...
Knowledgebase
european hornbeam and smokeplant problem #880890
Asked August 09, 2024, 7:57 PM EDT
Hi, I have a ~3 year old smokeplant with unusual pattern occurring in the leaves. It seems to be spreading across branches. Last year, one of the major branches died off completely, but I don't recall this distinct pattern in the leaves. Can you identify the problem and/or something I can try to help it? Also, across from the smokeplant, one of my ~3 year old European Hornbeams has thinned and showing signs of a problem in the leaves. The hornbeam's roots also have become very shallow and the tree is at risk of falling over. Images of both plants are attached.
Baltimore County Maryland
Expert Response
Do you have larger photo files you can share, please? Unfortunately the current images are too small for us to see enough detail for a diagnosis.
Could soil be eroding from around the Hornbeam? Roots won't change depth once grown, so if more roots are being exposed on the surface, that suggests that erosion is taking place. Planting depth, over-mulching, root injury (if any digging happened on either side of the fence in recent months/years), and drought or over-watering can all contribute to leaf discoloration and premature leaf drop, or the development of a secondary issue like wood-boring insect attack, which usually target stressed trees. Hornbeam doesn't have too many pest or disease issues, but will sometimes suffer from borers.
Leaf discoloration or premature fall color on Smokebush/Smoketree often results from environmental stress, though it's hard to say what caused the prior branch dieback. Was the plant monitored for watering needs this past summer (and last, when we also had a notable drought)?
Miri
Could soil be eroding from around the Hornbeam? Roots won't change depth once grown, so if more roots are being exposed on the surface, that suggests that erosion is taking place. Planting depth, over-mulching, root injury (if any digging happened on either side of the fence in recent months/years), and drought or over-watering can all contribute to leaf discoloration and premature leaf drop, or the development of a secondary issue like wood-boring insect attack, which usually target stressed trees. Hornbeam doesn't have too many pest or disease issues, but will sometimes suffer from borers.
Leaf discoloration or premature fall color on Smokebush/Smoketree often results from environmental stress, though it's hard to say what caused the prior branch dieback. Was the plant monitored for watering needs this past summer (and last, when we also had a notable drought)?
Miri
