Catalpa tree - Ask Extension
The leaves in the photos are from a Catalpa tree. The leaves are falling off. Some just fall and others are turning dark brown before falling. Do you ...
Knowledgebase
Catalpa tree #416483
Asked July 24, 2017, 2:33 PM EDT
The leaves in the photos are from a Catalpa tree. The leaves are falling off. Some just fall and others are turning dark brown before falling. Do you know what could cause this and what the home owner can do to save his trees?
Thank you
Emmet County Michigan
Expert Response
Catalpa is susceptible to a few different leaf spot fungal diseases. This spotting caused by a fungus are not considered a serious disease for catalpa and is generally not managed. The brown wilting leaves could be caused by Verticillium wilt, soil borne fungus that enters through roots. Catalpa trees are susceptible to it and if stressed by environmental conditions the chance of the disease getting into the tree increases. It is a serious disease that causes wilting and often starts on one side of the tree and continues to spread. The wilting symptoms are more noticeable during dry conditions. See the following bulletin on verticillium wilt and management options.
https://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/trees-shrubs/verticillium-wilt/
Watering during dry weather can ease the stress of this disease and fertilization in the early spring can possibly help to wall of the disease from spreading.
https://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/trees-shrubs/verticillium-wilt/
Watering during dry weather can ease the stress of this disease and fertilization in the early spring can possibly help to wall of the disease from spreading.
