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Serviceberry drought or disease #652010

Asked June 16, 2020, 10:31 PM EDT

I just planted an autumn brilliance serviceberry on 6/27 (6.5 gallon/multi stem). It has been hot the last two days. The nursery suggested watering once a week at a rate of 1 gallon per minute for 15 minutes. I watered it when I planted it and 7 days later I did the same. The tree appears to need water. The leaves are rolling and have a silver tint but the ground feels moist. Some leaves are also showing a red/yellow line that starts and stops at the stem and has a similar shape as the leaf. Inside of the line the leaf color is a rich green. Outside of the line the leaf appears to be dying as if the tree is in stress and it’s life blood is receding. I had an autumn maple in the same place previously and it died. I was told that it was due to lack of water or lack of iron. Prior to the trees being planted, this same area was overgrown by a very healthy juniper bush which was removed 8 years ago. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Jefferson County Colorado

Expert Response

I think that part of the problem is lack of water. I would have recommended watering every day for at least 2 - 3 weeks and then every other day for a couple more weeks, and then at least once a week.
Service berry can be affected by fire blight and the branch tip in the last picture is almost classic fire blight damage. There is also a rust that affects these plants, although I don't see the classic rust symptoms in the photo
Here are a couple of references that might be  helpful. You can bring a sample to the Plant Clinic at the Jeffco Extension office on the fairgrounds Monday - Thursday between 8 and 5. They could confirm if fire blight is present
An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 17, 2020, 2:16 PM EDT
Thanks Bruce!  How much water should the tree get per day for the initial 2 weeks?
The Question Asker Replied June 17, 2020, 10:06 PM EDT
Give it at least 2 to 3 gallons a day, same when you go to fewer times a week
An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 18, 2020, 8:49 AM EDT

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