My Redbud Tree Is Losing Leaves

Identification

• Redbud trees are susceptible to oleander leaf scorch caused by Xylella fastidiosa. The bacteria are transmitted by insects like the sharpshooters. The insects infect trees as they feed on the xylem or water-conducting plant tissues.

Damage

• Disease symptoms become apparent during warm spring and summer weather as leaves start to yellow and droop. Leaf margins turn dark yellow or brown and leaves die. Tree starts to lose leaves and gradually the entirely tree is killed. Symptoms of oleander leaf scorch are more pronounced in trees growing in hot regions.

Control

• Oleander leaf scorch is a fatal disease and there is no cure for it. Remove diseased trees early to minimize spread of bacteria to other plants. Use resistant varieties. Attempting to control vector pests is not an effective management strategy.