Why Are My Leaves Falling from My Crabapple Tree?

Apple scab, a disease caused by the fungus Venturia inaequalis, is a prevalent issue for homeowners with crabapple trees in Goodrich, Michigan. This condition tends to thrive in cool, damp spring weather, which creates an ideal environment for fungal growth.

On crabapple trees in Goodrich, apple scab typically appears as dark, olive-green spots on the upper surfaces of the leaves. As the disease progresses, the lesions turn brown or black, causing the leaves to curl, distort, or fall prematurely. In severe cases, apple scab can lead to significant defoliation, weakening the tree and diminishing its aesthetic appeal, and even death over time.

Typical Symptoms of Apple Scab Disease:

• Fungal lesions on leaves
• Reduced blooming
• Leaves dropping prematurely in mid-summer
• Early defoliation
• Secondary pest issues due to disease stress
• Branch dieback and gradual tree decline

To manage apple scab on landscape trees, fungicide treatments should be applied early in the spring before the fungus begins to infect the tree. Additional treatments will be necessary as new leaves continue to grow larger. Typically, three applications spaced throughout the growing season will provide effective control for crabapple trees in residential landscapes.

If you miss the opportunity to start fungicide treatments in the spring there are still options that can be done to help your tree.

Pruning your infected crabapple to thin out excessive interior growth will increase air flow in the canopy of the tree. This will allow leaves to dry out quicker, thereby reducing the number of leaves infected by apple scab. This is also a good time to remove dead branches and any branches that are too low or growing too close to buildings or driveways.

Deep-root fertilization can help to maintain the overall vigor of the tree. This can help compensate, to some degree, for the loss of leaves due to apple scab infection.

While apple scab may initially seem like a cosmetic problem, neglecting to address it can lead to long-term harm to the health of your crabapple tree.

If your crabapple has been infected by apple scab contact an Owen Tree & Lawn Care Certified Arborist today to find out what measures can be taken to restore the health of your tree.