How to manage an infected tree?

[firsttimegarden]

 

Hi all! So I’ve recently moved to a small place of my own, and I’ve noted the two trees that grow in my backyard seem to be struggling. Their leaves are blistering and dying. I’ve attached photos. I’ve tried spraying with fungicide and pruning them down, with little result. I’m worried they’re going to affect my veggie plants that sit below them. Does anyone know what else I could do?

[EricL]

Hello @firsttimegarden 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your infected tree.

I'm sorry to hear that your tree is not in good condition. In order for us to give you an accurate diagnosis, would it be possible for you to post a few photos of the infected leaves? Specifically, those leaves that have blisters on them and those have deformed or twisted in on itself? I also suggest taking a photo of the bottom of the leaves should you happen to find insects nesting in them. At this point in time, I would not hazard a guess as to what might be affecting your tree. But as soon as we see the close ups of the leaves, we might be able to discern what is attacking it. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[firsttimegarden]

 Thank you so much Eric! I’ve attached photos here, the first three of one tree and the second three of the other. I couldn’t see any insects on the bottom of the leaves.

  

 

 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @firsttimegarden,

Thanks for sharing the photos. A few things to consider as you manage your trees: how long ago did you apply the fungicide? Keep in mind that fungicide won’t reverse the damage on leaves that are already infected; it’s meant to protect new growth from the fungus. Fungi can be persistent, so you’ll likely need to reapply over a period of time to fully manage it.

It’s also important to remove any dead or infected leaves from the tree and clean up fallen leaves from the soil beneath it, so the infection doesn’t cycle back into the tree. From your photos, I’m curious, have the brown splotches developed into holes, or could the holes be caused by insects? There’s clearly some leaf curl and distortion, so that’s worth keeping an eye on as well.

When was the last time you fertilised these trees? Strengthening them with a suitable fertiliser can help them resist infection. You could also consider applying a leaf curl formula if the distortion continues. I’ll tag @Noelle here as well to get her thoughts and any additional suggestions.

The general approach is: keep up with the fungicide, fertilise, remove infected leaves, and monitor new growth closely.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[Noelle]

Hi @firsttimegarden 

I agree with @MitchellMc  that the trees look like they're infected with a fungal disease or two, so it's important to keep up regular fungicide applications every three weeks or so, depending on the product you are using and the instructions on the label. Unfortunately, summer is the worst time for fungal infections as the weather is often warm and humid, leading to ongoing outbreaks.

Cleaning up dead and infected leaves, bagging them and putting them into the household rubbish so fungal spores don't reinfect plants you are treating is very important.

Diseases like these in trees are not likely to affect vegetables and herbs growing beneath them but to be on the safe side, make sure you don't wet the leaves of your vegies late in the day, as moisture on the plants overnight can cause additional humidity that will encourage fungi to grow, mature and set spores.

Follow a regular garden hygiene program, apply appropriate control products and maintain tree health with plant food, and your trees should improve.

[firsttimegarden]

Thank you for your help, this is amazing! It's been a while since I reapplied fungicide, I'll do it more regularly and fertilise the trees as well. 

[firsttimegarden]

Oh that's good to know. Thank you so much! Feel a lot more confident that I can manage it now.