Atwood LawnCare

WHAT YOU’LL SEE...are dark olive colored spots on both sides of the leaves. In moist weather, the spots may take on a felty appearance due to fungal mycelium growth. Occurrence of the fungus will occur in the spring at the time of, or just after leaf break.

THE REASON FOR THE PROBLEM...is an over-wintering fungus on fallen leaves. If the leaves are not cleaned up and disposed of, the fungus infects the new emerging leaves. The fungus also can be carried by the wind from other areas of the yard and neighborhood.

THE BEST WAYS TO CONTROL THIS PROBLEM...is to plant resistant varieties of trees. But since your tree is already planted, the next best thing is to be sure all fallen leaves are cleaned up and disposed of each fall. While you have no control over what may blow in from neighboring areas, at least be sure the area immediately surrounding your crabapple is clean.

OTHER OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO YOU...include protective fungicide applications. The first application should occur just after the leaves appear, with two or three additional applications following during the summer. While good to excellent control of this fungus can be achieved, total eradication of the disease with fungicide applications is not realistic.