Q. Every year my crabapple leaves get brown spots on them which cause the leaves to fall off of the tree before the end of the summer. What is wrong with my tree and what can I do about it?

A. Crabapple trees can be affected by many different plant diseases including cedar rust, crabapple scab, powdery mildew, various fungal problems, and fire blight. It is important to have your crabapple tree accurately diagnosed prior to selecting a treatment in order to assure that the proper chemicals are used at the appropriate time of the year, and that additional horticultural advice is followed.

Please submit a sample of your declining tree that is approximately 12 inches in length to Plant Information Service for an accurate diagnosis and proper recommended treatments.