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ServiceBerry Tree issues - perhaps rust/fungus? #802933

Asked July 25, 2022, 2:33 PM EDT

Hello, Last year and this year my serviceberry tree has experienced similar problems as our hawthorn trees. I know hawthorns are notorious for the fungus or rust that attacks them every year. Can the same disease attack the serviceberry tree? It was very disappointing to see the Cedar waxwing birds look for fruit on the tree to find anything barely edible since most of the fruit was covered by some sort of rust. How can we pretreat or prevent this in the future? The bark also shows signs of some sort of disease.

Carroll County Maryland

Expert Response

Hi Mariella!

The trunk is covered in lichen, which are not hurting the tree, they just take advantage of the favorable conditions in which to grow. You are right, though - your serviceberry has rust. 

Both cedar-quince rust and cedar hawthorne rust can infect serviceberries. Please see our page about rust and management options: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/rust-diseases-trees

Rust on serviceberry can be disfiguring but it does not kill the tree. It only makes the fruit inedible to humans - wildlife can still enjoy it. And the tree provides additional benefits of being a host plant for caterpillars. 

Rust infection varies from year to year and most homeowners who want the fruit just enjoy them during the dryer years.

Here is a Penn State Extension page on rust disease on ornamentals: https://extension.psu.edu/cedar-apple-and-related-rusts-on-ornamentals

Jamie

Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 26, 2022, 2:49 PM EDT

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