1. Cherry leaf spot or shot-hole pathogens
Likelihood: HighFungal cherry leaf spot and related shot-hole leaf spot problems infect Prunus leaves during wet weather. Spots often start purple or reddish-brown, then leaves yellow and may drop early when infection is heavy.
Identification
- remove_circle_outlineSmall purple, red-brown, or brown spots appear on leaf surfaces.
- remove_circle_outlineSpots may develop tan centers, yellow halos, or dry centers that drop out.
- remove_circle_outlineSeveral spots merge into larger dead patches on older leaves.
- remove_circle_outlineHeavily spotted leaves turn yellow and fall before normal autumn drop.
The Fix
- 1Rake and remove infected fallen leaves so the disease cycle has less material to overwinter in.
- 2Bag badly diseased leaves or compost only if your pile runs hot and local guidance allows it.
- 3Avoid overhead irrigation that wets foliage.
- 4For valuable trees with repeated heavy defoliation, ask local extension about fungicides labeled for ornamental Prunus.
- 5Do not use fruit-tree spray advice on ornamental trees unless the product label matches your use.