What's wrong with this leaf/tree?
August 26, 2011 9:01 AM Subscribe
Posting for a friend: Why is my tree sick? [photo]
The trees at my friend's house recently started getting brown spots all over their leaves. At first, it was just the two trees up in the front yard but it started spreading to the backyard of the house.
My friend doesn't know what kind of tree they are. He lives in central New Jersey, if that helps narrow out the species of trees that it could be.
Here's a link to the leaf in question: http://www.flickr.com/photos/yuri_kim/6083100070/
Anyone have an idea of what's going on?
The trees at my friend's house recently started getting brown spots all over their leaves. At first, it was just the two trees up in the front yard but it started spreading to the backyard of the house.
My friend doesn't know what kind of tree they are. He lives in central New Jersey, if that helps narrow out the species of trees that it could be.
Here's a link to the leaf in question: http://www.flickr.com/photos/yuri_kim/6083100070/
Anyone have an idea of what's going on?
Has your friend called the local lawn and garden store or brought a leaf and pictures in for a trained opinion. I'm not talking about a home depot lawn and garden department, but an agricultural co-op. I'm sure there's one in new jersey.
That would be my first stop.
posted by TheBones at 10:03 AM on August 26, 2011
That would be my first stop.
posted by TheBones at 10:03 AM on August 26, 2011
It looks like a leaf spot disease to me, possibly Elsinoe. There's not much that can be done at this point, but this page has some recommendations for control.
To be more certain, you friend should take several leaves to their local agricultural extension. (Nurseries are second best, because they try very hard to sell you things. I used to work at one.)
If it's only this year, it's not a big deal- no need to get crazy with fungicides or fertilizers, unless it happens year after year. Fertilizers too high in nitrogen can actually encourage pathogens, so restraint is always called for. Good compost in the spring won't hurt, and well pruned-trees will stay healthier.
posted by oneirodynia at 9:03 PM on August 26, 2011
To be more certain, you friend should take several leaves to their local agricultural extension. (Nurseries are second best, because they try very hard to sell you things. I used to work at one.)
If it's only this year, it's not a big deal- no need to get crazy with fungicides or fertilizers, unless it happens year after year. Fertilizers too high in nitrogen can actually encourage pathogens, so restraint is always called for. Good compost in the spring won't hurt, and well pruned-trees will stay healthier.
posted by oneirodynia at 9:03 PM on August 26, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 9:22 AM on August 26, 2011