Service Berry tree not well.

Question: Our service Berry tree has lost branches and leaves. There are splotches on the bark. Photos attached.
We live in downtown Silver Spring.

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied August 23, 2024, 5:00 PM EDT
response: The photos are a bit dark, so details are hard to see, but the bark splotches appear to be lichen, which is very common and harmless. Dying branches could be caused by a range of factors, including drought stress, root injury, or localized infections (which are often preceded by drought or heat stress). They can be pruned off as found, and make the pruning cut close to the base of the affected branch, down to where it joins healthy wood. We see at least one stub left from prior pruning that should be taken back to the trunk (not flush, but close, as per the info. in the linked page). Otherwise, dead branch stubs can harbor wood decay organisms. They won't necessarily threaten the healthy wood, but you don't want to risk it, or have them tear-off a section of trunk bark when they eventually fall.  Unless it's just soil residue splashed-up from the ground, the Hosta visible under the tree looks scorched, presumably also from drought impacts. Was the Serviceberry being watered periodically this summer? (We see a sprinkler.) Drought stress, plus reflected heat or reduced air circulation from the tree's proximity to the brick wall, can contribute to premature leaf shedding. Damage from a fungal rust infection on foliage or twig tips, or lace bug feeding damage (both conditions fairly common, but relatively minor, on Serviceberry), can also spur leaves do drop before autumn.  For now, no intervention is needed except to trim off any branch stubs and monitor the tree for watering needs. Feel the soil around six inches deep in the tree's root zone and water well once it becomes somewhat dry to the touch at that depth. The drought has eased a bit from earlier this summer, but some areas of Maryland (including Montgomery County) are still in drought status. Unless something else is affecting the tree, it should leaf-out and flower normally next year as long as it gets enough hydration this season. (For spring-blooming trees like this, flower buds are either already forming or fully developed on the branches now, so a fall or winter drought could damage them if the root zone isn't checked periodically during dry spells.)  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 23, 2024, 5:43 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much.It probably didn't get enough water this summer. I'll check the soil moisture to make sure it's moist.DanOn Fri, Aug 23, 2024, 5:00 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied August 24, 2024, 9:01 AM EDT
response: You’re welcome