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| I recently noticed on the tree in my backyard (with red leaves - sorry, don't know the type/ name of the tree) has been infected with back spots all over and the branches have started to die and the leaves have holes (as if they have been bitten by a bug). Please help me identify the cause and remedy for this problem. I have attached a picture of one of the infected branch.
kc |
Follow-Up Postings:
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| picture of the tree. |
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| close-up of the leaves. |
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| Seems to be a purple leaved plum. I don't know what the problem is. They are pretty trouble free over here. |
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- Posted by gardengal48 PNW zone 8 (My Page) on Tue, Aug 14, 12 at 17:01
| Looks like a purple leaf plum (Prunus cerasifera) and with a good dose of black knot fungus, and shothole fungus/bacterial leaf spot. The only practical remedy is removal and replacement with something less likely to be afflicted with these problems. Prunus in general tend to be very problematic plants and the afflictions shown in the photos are only the tip of the iceberg of potential problems. You can treat for these issues but they tend to be programs that will need to be repetitive on an annual (or more often) basis as well as having limited impact. Both can be researched online or ask for assistance with your local extension office. |
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- Posted by wisconsitom 4/5 WI (My Page) on Tue, Aug 14, 12 at 17:40
| Yep^, black knot fungus, absolutely endemic within the genus prunus. The leaf damage could be as gardengal suggests, or could be completely unrelated insect damage, but is of little consequence. The black knot on the other hand is exactly as she describes-and treating is essentially a lost cause.. +oM |
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- Posted by ken_adrian z5 (My Page) on Tue, Aug 14, 12 at 18:23
| the proper measure.. for getting rid of BLACK KNOT on plum.. is addressed at the link ... these are very short lived trees.. and there is nothing to do about the ugly problem.. even if you were to cut out all the knots.. it will be back ... surprised you didnt also notice big gobs of goo.. known as gummosis .. also untreatable .... good luck with the link.. lol .. i am very happy now in that regard ... ken |
Here is a link that might be useful: link
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- Posted by wisconsitom 4/5 WI (My Page) on Tue, Aug 14, 12 at 21:51
| Agree completely with both gardengal and Ken-this entire genus is not one which offers long-lived trees. And a plant which is that far down the road of black knot is surely not worth trying to retain in the landscape. +oM |
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| Thanks to all of you!! One last question on getting rid of the tree. I saw the posting from Ken to cut the tree down. wondering what about the stomp? Should I have it taken out or kill it gradually with some chemicals? Any recommendations? |
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| I would dig, and cut the roots, to get the stump out. Mike |
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- Posted by ken_adrian z5 (My Page) on Wed, Aug 15, 12 at 13:49
| or cut it at ground level.. and drip roundup or stumpkiller on the green edge just under the bark ... its not that big a tree.. if you want to dig it up .. in which case.. cut to about 3 feet.. start digging 2 feet out from the trunk.. until you find large roots.. cut those with sawzall ... use trunk to rock back and forth and ID location of other large roots ... if you want to replace with another purple tree.. look into fagus riversii or one of the sculptural pendulus red beech ... ken |
Here is a link that might be useful: link
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- Posted by wisconsitom 4/5 WI (My Page) on Wed, Aug 15, 12 at 17:43
| One guy I know used to use this occasion to try out a new truck from the auto dealer. Always ending up bringing the vehicle back. After the job was done, I mean. +oM |
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