If the foliage of a serviceberry turns brown well before the start of autumn, this can be due to various problem situations. The possible triggers range from extreme climatic situations to inadequate soil conditions to annoying fungal diseases.
Why does the serviceberry have brown spots on the leaves?
Brown spots on serviceberry leaves can be caused by extreme weather conditions, inadequate soil conditions, incorrect planting timing or fungal diseases. Countermeasures include drainage improvement, optimal location selection, cutting measures or fungicides.
The weather could definitely be to blame for brown leaf edges
If the leaves of the rock pear initially show their brown spots starting from the edges of the leaf and gradually spreading towards the inside of the leaf, it could well be that the plant has dropped its leaves early as a result of extreme weather conditions. Although rock pears are generally very easy to care for, extreme heat and dry phases can result in certain discoloration of the foliage in a hot summer. If the symptoms occur immediately after transplanting a serviceberry, it could also be due to an incorrectly chosen planting time or another problem during the planting process. As a rule, there is no great cause for concern and the robust plant forms new leaves in spring without any further measures.
Continued problems may indicate site deficiencies
If a rock pear repeatedly shows brown spots on the leaves over several growing seasons, possible location and soil problems should first be eliminated. For he althy growth, rock pears need a location that is as sunny as possible and a well-drained soil without waterlogging. Since waterlogging can be a particular problem with rock pears in pots, the following preventive measures should be taken:
- only use planters with drainage holes
- mix in expanded clay or other drainage materials when planting
- do not leave water in the saucer
- only water when it is very dry
Growth deficiencies in a serviceberry can sometimes be caused by a plant pot that is much too small and the resulting formation of rotary roots.
Brown spots due to fungal diseases
It is not uncommon for brown spots on the leaves of a serviceberry to be a symptom of a fungal disease. After all, different varieties of rock pear can fall victim to pear rust or other diseases. As a preventive measure, the trees can be treated with broad-spectrum fungicides. However, you can also use targeted pruning measures to ensure improved ventilation of the tree crown and should remove heavily infested branches as quickly as possible.
Tip
The serviceberry should generally not be planted in the immediate vicinity of juniper, as these two types of plants can easily infect each other with diseases.
