american hazel

Question: we have 2 american hazels about 13-14 years old. very vigorous and healthy growers (12x12).  about 2 -3 years ago they started looking very distressed. I just finished cutting al the dead wood out and it amounted to about 1/3 to 1/2 of the wood.  where there are leaves they  are thin not full and bushy as they used to be.  the 2 hazels are side by side near a hickory and a burr oak both of which are doing fine. the other hazels elsewhere on the property are also fine.  the white tracks go up and down several of the dead branches but only on one of the bushes. any suggestions for what is the problem and how to treat will be appreciated.

responder: Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied May 28, 2023, 4:07 PM EDT
response: Hello Larry, Your last phot came out too blurry. Would you please try again, as a clear picture helps confirm the diagnosis. Also, may we have a close up of leaves on the branch so we can see clearly the color, the veins in the leaves, etc? I believe you have a scale insect on the branches, and possibly might have something on the leaves as well.  Thank you.  Laura S. Ask Extension Aide

responder: Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied May 28, 2023, 4:34 PM EDT
response: Also do you see branches with any other bumps on them, particularly brown, grey or black spots? If so, please attach a picture of these. Thank you.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 28, 2023, 7:55 PM EDT
response: I don't see any other spots except for what looks like a rupture in the bark. Here are some more photos.On Sun, May 28, 2023, 4:34 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied May 29, 2023, 6:47 AM EDT
response: Thank you Larry for the additional photos. Unfortunately, I think this is Eastern Filbert Blight. I am referring your pictures to another expert for an opinion.  Because of the holiday, it will take a few days to get her opinion.  Here is an article on the suspected disease: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/eastern-filbert-blight/  You might consider hiring a certified arborist to come on site and give you a diagnosis. Find certified arborists by zip code here- http://www.treesaregood.org

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 29, 2023, 8:54 AM EDT
response: thank you. On Mon, May 29, 2023 at 6:47 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied May 30, 2023, 12:42 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your patience Larry. I checked with one of our MSU Extension Forester/Educators and yes, this is Eastern Filbert Blight.  Please follow the management recommendations in the article I linked, above. Regards, Laura