Knowledgebase
Ailing young black walnut tree #832113
Asked May 25, 2023, 8:51 PM EDT
Lapeer County Michigan
Expert Response
I have a few questions about the tree's location. Where is the tree growing? When you planted it, did you amend the soil? Is the soil wet or dry?
If the roots were too dry or too wet this spring, roots may be negatively impacted, causing the leaves at the tip to curl up and turn brown. This is called leaf scorch.
https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/tree-plant-care/plant-care-resources/leaf-scorch/
The condition of the bark may or may not be related to the leaf scorch. The image you posted was a bit fuzzy. Hoping you can attach another picture of the stem/bark? And answer a couple of questions. Do you see any holes in the trunk - especially around where the bark peeled off? Is the area under the peeled bark discolored? Even spotty discolored?
The answers to those questions will help me try to figure out what could be happening to the tree.
Please stay in touch.
Thank you!
-Julie
I live on a dirt road and this is in a sunny location with full sun. The soil is a sandy loam which I did not amend when I planted (I grew this from a seed/nut started in the fall of 2018). Last fall I noticed that the leaves and some of the branches had turned yellow and had brown spots…this is why I thought it had anthracnose and why I treated with slow release nitrogen this spring. I have been watering it about 2x a week (2+ gallons each time) for about the last 3 weeks (since a little after out last rain).
I hope this helps … it looks much better now but still has those black curled leaves. I have attached more pictures which I hope are clearer although it was difficult to get it in focus and keep it in focus).
Sent from Mail for Windows
From: Ask Extension
Sent: Tuesday, May 30, 2023 11:39 AM
To: Elaine Andrade
Subject: Re: Ailing young black walnut tree (#0102039)
Also, it is common for a walnut to have anthracnose at the end of the growing season. You are doing well by keeping it healthy enough to sustain the annual infection.
I'm wondering if the cracks in the bark are frost cracks? Are the cracks predominantly on the south and west side of the trunk? If so, it could be caused by the sun causing that side of the trunk to warm above freezing when nights are well below freezing. The bark splits as a result of the temperature swing.
I also found a publication that provides information about several things that could cause the bark on a black walnut to split.
https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/blackwalnut/trunkcracked.html
Please let me know what you find, when you have a moment.
Thank you,
-Julie
Thank you,
-Julie
