A fungus?

[berobinson82]

This is one of the corticosa I dug this year. The smaller of the two is healthy and thriving. The larger on is looking quite sickly of late. It might not be long for this world. Could this be a fungal infection? I hope these pictures are close and clear enough.

This elm was always a strong grower until lately. I've kept it fed and watered well. The roots grew straight through the Anderson flat into the ground as I had hoped.

Thank you for looking.

 

[GrimLore]

Looks like the stuff I use Copper Fungicide on to stop it on my Crabapples. We have Elms but they are not showing those signs.

 

[Dav4]

I'm pretty sure elms are quite prone to Black Spot fungal infections...though I doubt spraying now with an anti fungal will be of any benefit as the fungal spores probably infected the leaves this past spring. Removing and disposing of badly affected leaves may reduce re-infection next year, and it shouldn't cause significant health issues for the tree, hopefully.

 

[berobinson82]

So you think it'll make it back next year? Maybe I should start treating it as it emerges dormancy?

 

[augustine]

Be,

I'm up the road in central MD and get the same darn thing on my Corticosa. Black spot has not infected my reg Chinese elm or my Yatsubusa. I spray with daconil every 3 - 4 weeks.

Yours is not bad at all plus it's late in the growing season. Mine was worse last year and I did, in fact, treat early (and regularly) in the season. Had much better results this year. I did not wet the foliage often, just sprayed it good every once in a while.

Attended a seminar with a professional on Saturday and he advised that "Chinese elm just gets black spots."

Bottom line, spraying early in the season gave me very good results. I don't think it matters if it's copper or daconil. You're fine, no need to worry. Continue to spray every 3 to 4 weeks and let it grow.

By the way my club's event on Saturday was a workshop with Colin Lewis. Mr. Lewis is a fine teacher and artist. He was very giving and easy to talk with, a regular guy with a common sense approach.

Best,

Augustine

 

[berobinson82]

Thanks Augustine. I feel better about next year's regimen and hope this guy will really take off like its little brother.

 

[GrimLore]

Thanks Augustine. I feel better about next year's regimen and hope this guy will really take off like its little brother.

Spraying it now will slow/stop further progression and Copper Fungicide is not harmful. Early Spring just prior to first push treatment will again slow/stop it. After that spraying at 10 day intervals will control it if it is a fungus. It is my understanding that once a tree has it you cannot remove it completely but keep it in control.
That's the way it works on a few of my trees and also in our Orchard. Also 1 Rose which was in close proximity to one of the Crabapples - I also noted that as it seems to spread to nearby plants which in my case were touching forming a wall on the rear deck.