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My serviceberry shrubs look terrible. #753630
Asked June 02, 2021, 7:32 PM EDT
My serviceberry shrubs look terrible. Their leaves are yellowing, droopy and sparse. This started last year and I cut back on water. This year I have let it dry out more and it looks worse. I fed it in Spring with an iron supplement. I have a whole span of maybe 30 bushes which all look bad. I planted them 6 years ago. I live in Lewistown, MT.
Fergus County Montana
Expert Response
Hello Lisa
You have submitted your question to Michigan State Univ. Extension. You should check with your Montana Extension for local growing conditions.
Since all are doing poorly, it would be a good idea to have your soil tested. You want at least 5% organic matter and a pH range of 5.0 to 7.5. Check with your local extension on how to get a soil test.
I can provide you with a reference that describes what growing conditions serviceberry prefers. They do like moist, well drained soil so, unless your soil is soggy I would not withhold water. Dig down carefully a few inches to check soil and water when dry. Roots are shallow so use care.
Here is a reference for you that explains more- https://pss.uvm.edu/ppp/articles/shad.html
Also, check your leaves for unusual spotting or insect damage
https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/serviceberry/spotsorblotches.html
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 2, 2021, at 6:01 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
