My Redbud is dying

Question: From a few brown spots on a few leaves to full blown dying all leaves in a matter of weeks.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 27, 2024, 2:18 PM EDT
response: We planted this redbud about 5 years ago. It was beautiful until this summer (2024) when it developed a few small brown spots on a few leaves. In a matter of weeks the disease has spread to all leaves, leaving them yellow and drooping and apparently dying. No change in conditions except for very high temperatures in the past few weeks. Perhaps I didn’t water enough ? Should I remove the tree? Is there a treatment that would help. I have an oak tree fairly close that looks healthy.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 27, 2024, 2:22 PM EDT
response: I have rose bushes about 20 feet away. They all look healthy.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 29, 2024, 4:52 PM EDT
response: I had a few questions as I read your inquiry.  Have you noticed any insects in the tree? Did the problem start at the bottom of the tree and work its way up? You had mentioned no change in conditions, but was there by any chance any digging/landscape changes around the base of the tree? Also, Redbuds can be very sensitive to chemicals and herbicides sprayed on the lawn - any changes of that sort in your yard this season?

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 30, 2024, 8:40 AM EDT
response: In response to your questions: (1) Problem did not start on the bottom and move up. It appeared on leaves of one or branch, then seemed to spread to all the other leaves. Interestingly. a clematis planted at base of the tree a few years ago is healthy and vigorous, traveling through the tree. (2) We did a few spot treatments on broadleaf weeds in the lawn, but not near the redbud. No spraying of any sort. (3) No insects.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 31, 2024, 5:01 PM EDT
response: Depending on how much you value the tree, there are a few options. I would recommend one or both of the following: Find an arborist at https://www.asm-isa.org/content.aspx?page_id=0&club_id=883139 Or, you can send a sample to the MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostics Lab. The link for that is here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/ Full instructions on how to send a good sample for analysis is on the site. Redbuds are prone to Leaf anthracnose, Botryosphaeria canker, and Verticillium wilt. It may be suffering from drought stress due to the high temperatures and potential lack of water you mentioned. Drought stress can lead to dieback as well.  I would ensure the tree is deep watered during dry spells and you might want to consider pruning out dead/dying branches if you are comfortable with it.  If your tree is too far gone, or doesn't make it, I wouldn't recommend replacing it with another redbud because if it is verticillium wilt or canker, the new tree could be affected as well. Dogwoods and crape myrtles are two good alternatives as they are more resistant to those diseases.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 31, 2024, 5:33 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your advice.Teresa Doyle On Sat, Aug 31, 2024 at 5:01 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: