Why Does My Spindle Tree Look Unhealthy?

Are the leaves on the tree yellow, and are the stems and leaves covered with small bumps?

Do the trunk or the roots have swollen, wartlike growths on them?

Are the leaves wrinkled and discolored?

Have the leaves and shoots blackened, and do the leaves have moist or brown spots on them?

Do the leaves of your spindle tree have white growths on them?

Yellow leaves covered by small bumps are caused by scales. These tiny, shelled insects often feed on the undersides of the leaves, causing an unhealthy appearance with yellowish blotches on the upper leaf surfaces. Scrape off minor infestations with your fingernail. Prune out badly infested growth, or use a soft brush and soapy water to gently scrub the scales off the stems. Control scales by spraying insecticidal oil during the growing season.

Bacterial disease Crown Gall causes wartlike swellings on rose roots, stems, and branches. If the plant is only slightly infected, prune off the diseased growth. Destroy severely infected plants and avoid replanting spindle trees or any susceptible plant species in the same spot.

Wrinkled and discolored leaves on spindle trees usually indicate an infestation by aphids. These tiny insects can vary in color, green, pink, black, gray to completely white. They cluster under leaves and on growing tips where they feed on plant sap. Leaves become distorted and later drop from the plant. You can control these pests by washing them off the plant with water spray. Introducing ladybugs will keep pest numbers low. Insecticidal soap or neem oil should be used with severe infestations.

Your spindle tree might be suffering from Anthracnose or some other fungal leaf spot. Spots may enlarge rapidly, especially in wet weather. Destroy infected leaves or plants. Spray plants with sulfur to prevent the disease from spreading, especially if the weather is wet. Prevent problems by thinning plants to provide good air circulation.

White growths on leaves are caused by fungal infections - downy mildew, powdery mildew or white mold. To control fungal diseases, thin plants to increase air movement. If the weather is wet spray sulfur in the evening.

If the fruiting of your spindle tree is decreased, the cause may be insufficient sunlight. Although they are shade tolerant, heavy shade could cause problems.