Fungus on my trees - Ask Extension
Hello was wondering if you can help me here. Attached are some pictures that I have showing trees I have with fungus on it. Was wondering if this is a...
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Fungus on my trees #789303
Asked May 04, 2022, 4:14 PM EDT
Hello was wondering if you can help me here. Attached are some pictures that I have showing trees I have with fungus on it. Was wondering if this is anything to be concerned about or is there something I can spray on these trees to kill this? It seems like these trees dont keep the leaves very long in summer and they dont look very healthy this year. Any questions let me know.
Thank you
Mahoning County Ohio
Expert Response
The growth that you see on your Serviceberry Trees is known as a lichen. It is a growth that results from a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an algae. It causes no harm to your tree and many people simply enjoy the lacey design of each growth. Your trees are losing their leaves early from either a fungal infection or possibly a root problem. See the article below for some helpful hints. To reduce fungal pressure, do not water excessively but allow nature to provide the necessary irrigation so long as at least 1 inch of water is obtained per week.
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/serviceberry/
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/serviceberry/
Bill,
Thanks for the quick response. You mentioned the tree could have a fungal infection, this is what I think it has. What can I do to kill or control this fungal infection?
Your trees do not look unhealthy in the pictures that you sent. See the website
https://apps.msuextension.org/montguide/guide.html?sku=MT201821AG for more information. Even though serviceberry is a member of the apple family, it isn't listed as being prone to apple scab fungal disease. This disease causes apple trees to drop their leaves early. Serviceberry requires occasional pruning of dead branches to look good. Many leaf fungal diseases can be controlled by the fungicides Mancozeb or Daconil. If the leaves appear to have spots or lesions, then the application of one of these fungicides may be warranted. Please read the label of the product carefully and follow all recommendations.
https://apps.msuextension.org/montguide/guide.html?sku=MT201821AG for more information. Even though serviceberry is a member of the apple family, it isn't listed as being prone to apple scab fungal disease. This disease causes apple trees to drop their leaves early. Serviceberry requires occasional pruning of dead branches to look good. Many leaf fungal diseases can be controlled by the fungicides Mancozeb or Daconil. If the leaves appear to have spots or lesions, then the application of one of these fungicides may be warranted. Please read the label of the product carefully and follow all recommendations.
