How to Spot and Treat Leaf Rust on Pear, Hawthorn, Crabapple, and Serviceberry Trees
Leaf rust is a common fungal disease that affects trees and shrubs like pear, hawthorn, crabapple, and serviceberry. If left untreated, it can lead to unsightly leaves, weakened trees, and long-term damage. Early detection and treatment are key to controlling the disease and keeping your trees healthy.
Hawthorn tree infected by leaf rust.
Symptoms of Leaf Rust
Leaf rust affects each species slightly differently, but there are common signs to look for:
Pear Trees: Yellow or orange spots on the upper leaf surface and orange or red pustules underneath.
Hawthorn Trees: Reddish-orange spots on leaves that turn brown, causing premature leaf drop.
Crabapple Trees: Bright yellow or orange spots that darken over time, leading to early leaf drop.
Serviceberry Trees: Yellowish-orange spots on leaves, turning rusty with potential early leaf drop.
Why Early Treatment Is Important
It might seem strange to be talking about leaf rust in the winter when your trees have no leaves, but here’s why it’s crucial to act now: early spring treatment needs to be planned in advance. Winter is the perfect time to prepare. Once trees start to bud in the spring, timing is everything. If you schedule your treatment ahead of time, you’ll be ready to protect your trees right when it matters most.
By learning the signs of leaf rust and preparing for treatment now, you’re giving your trees the best chance to stay healthy once the growing season begins. Early attention can help prevent the rust from taking hold once the leaves start growing again, and planning in winter means you can act quickly at bud break to protect your trees.
Tips for Identifying Leaf Rust Early:
Inspect trees regularly, especially before new growth begins in spring.
Check the undersides of leaves for orange or red pustules.
Look for early leaf drop, which can signal a fungal infection.
Early detection makes it easier to manage the disease before it spreads and causes serious damage.
Leaf rust on pear tree.
Schedule Your First Spray at Bud Break
To effectively control leaf rust, schedule your first treatment around bud break in mid-March. This early intervention will help protect your trees and prevent the disease from taking hold.
Don’t wait for the damage to appear. Call us today to schedule your first spray and keep your pear, hawthorn, crabapple, and serviceberry trees healthy and rust-free!
Need Help Protecting Your Trees?
At American Arborist, we understand the challenges your trees face during the winter months. Our team of licensed plant health care professionals can assess your property and recommend strategies to safeguard your landscape from frost cracks, sunscald, and other seasonal stressors.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and keep your trees healthy all year long! By taking proactive steps this winter, you can ensure your trees emerge strong and healthy come spring. Frost cracks and sunscald may sound intimidating, but with the right care, your trees can weather the cold beautifully. 🌳