Wondering if my tree is diseased - Ask Extension
Hi - I moved into this house a year ago and I have what I believe is an Eastern Redbud tree in the yard. It doesn't seem as healthy as it was last yea...
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Wondering if my tree is diseased #913893
Asked August 13, 2025, 1:40 PM EDT
Hi - I moved into this house a year ago and I have what I believe is an Eastern Redbud tree in the yard. It doesn't seem as healthy as it was last year. I've attached a pic of one of its leaves and its bark is rusty looking (pic also attached), though I don't know if that's typical of Redbuds. Looking forward to your diagnosis.
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
We don't know what's affecting the leaves, but the leaf shown appears to be relatively healthy. Leaves of most outdoor plants begin to decline at this time of year.
Although the outer bark of young redbud trees is uniform scaly, gray, the inner bark is rusty red. Inner bark is often visible on the trunks of mature redbuds.
It looks like the reddish inner bark of the tree shown the photo has been exposed, perhaps due to age or abrasion. This probably isn't affecting the health of the tree, but if you are concerned, ask a certified arborist to evaluate the tree's condition onsite.
Although the outer bark of young redbud trees is uniform scaly, gray, the inner bark is rusty red. Inner bark is often visible on the trunks of mature redbuds.
It looks like the reddish inner bark of the tree shown the photo has been exposed, perhaps due to age or abrasion. This probably isn't affecting the health of the tree, but if you are concerned, ask a certified arborist to evaluate the tree's condition onsite.
The reply to this question may be of interest:
https://ask.extension.org/scp/tickets.php?id=913562
In any case, the speckles on the leaf shown in your photo suggest minor damage caused by sucking insects--lacebugs, leaf hoppers, spider mites, white flies, aphids, thrips, etc.
https://ask.extension.org/scp/tickets.php?id=913562
In any case, the speckles on the leaf shown in your photo suggest minor damage caused by sucking insects--lacebugs, leaf hoppers, spider mites, white flies, aphids, thrips, etc.
Thank you for your helpful info!
