HELP Sick tree

[ezmobee]

I have a snow fountain cherry tree that we planted 4 years ago. It was an expensive tree so it was a pretty good size when we planted it. It has always been very healthy, particularly this spring! But in the past week (best that I remember noticing) it's having some serious issues. Lots of leaves are yellowing out. It was dry here the past couple weeks but we've had rain the past couple days. It has seen some japanese beetle activity this year but not too much. Plus I think they typically just eat holes in the leaves. I sprayed it with Sevin last night.

This tree was planted as a memorial to my mom who died 4 years ago and some of her ashes are under it. I really don't want to lose it. Take a look at the pictures here and let me know if you know what's wrong with it.

http://s176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/tree/

 

[mscher]

Re: HELP Sick tree

Bacterial Canker maybe? Do you notice any sap leaking?

http://tfpg.cas.psu.edu/218.htm

Since this is a special tree, it may be worth throwing a few bucks to a pro, for a proper diagnosis.

Good luck.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: HELP Sick tree

They spoke of this on a local gardening radio show here in Minnesota. One case was a 25 year old tree and the other was a 15 year old one. Both have been healthy and no signs of problems. Both trees had their leaves turn yellow practically overnight and unfortunately they died. The host of the show said it is some kind of blight. As mentioned find someone local that is an expert.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: HELP Sick tree

Is it just the leaves or does it have any damage to the limbs?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: HELP Sick tree

Is it just the leaves or does it have any damage to the limbs?

Looks like just leaves.

My wife just called me from the garden center. They looked it up and determined it's a fungal disease. They sold her Ortho Garden Disease Spray that is supposed to take care of it but we have to wait till it's a little cooler to spray it which looks like in a couple days. Reading the data sheet on that, it looks like it takes care of a wide range of problems. They also told us to try to remove as many of the yellow leaves as we can and throw them out with the trash. And also to spray it again in the spring in case any of this winters over. I really hope we can save this tree. It just wouldn't be the same if I had to replace it and I regard this tree the same way many of you regard your relatives grave sites. Such a shame as the tree was really doing awesome this year growth wise and flowered beautifully this past spring.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: HELP Sick tree

Yea, get all the infected leaves off of it and away from it or any other plants/trees you might have.
If it is fungal, it can attack other trees and/or plants close by.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: HELP Sick tree

Young trees do not have there root systems established yet and need "LOTS" of water when it has been dry. A breif shower will not do it, you need to run a hose on low and soak the ground, it takes a long time for the water to get to the root system. Watering spikes work well also. Do your treatment and water water water!

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: HELP Sick tree

And when you water, apply the water under the drip line of the tree...the edge of its canopy...not right up around the trunk.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: HELP Sick tree

Thanks guys. The tree seems to be doing well. We removed almost all of the dead leaves and disposed of them and sprayed it with the disease control spray. No new dead leaves have appeared. Been watering it and will spray it again next week as directed. I think it's going to make it, thank goodness.

 

[642mx]

Re: HELP Sick tree

I have a weeping cherry tree thats been brought back from frost damage and disease. Everytime it starts looking bad (dead leaves and such) I hammer a Miracle Grow stick in the ground and drown it in water. It always perks right back up.

 

[mike64]

Re: HELP Sick tree

I have a weeping cherry tree thats been brought back from frost damage and disease. Everytime it starts looking bad (dead leaves and such) I hammer a Miracle Grow stick in the ground and drown it in water. It always perks right back up.

I was going to suggest fertilizer spikes or similar treatment too. Trees, like people, need proper nutrition for a well-functioning immune system.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: HELP Sick tree

Thanks, I'll definitely check into those spikes.