Leaf and Shoot Blight

Young shoots blacken and collapse while leaves develop dark lesions and drop prematurely, significantly reducing tree vigor and photosynthetic capacity. This fungal disease spreads rapidly during cool, wet springs when infection conditions are optimal for spore spread. Remove infected shoots immediately, improve air circulation through pruning, and rake fallen leaves regularly. Avoid overhead watering which keeps foliage wet and promotes spore spread.

Remove blighted tissue promptly, cutting well below visible symptoms. Improve air circulation by thinning dense growth. Avoid overhead watering, especially during bloom and new growth periods when tissues are most susceptible. For recurring problems, preventive fungicide applications timed to protect new growth can reduce infection, but cultural controls should be your first approach.