Why Does My Redbud Tree Looks Unhealthy?

Is the foliage yellowing in places, growth is slowed, large seeds are produced?

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

Does the trunk or the branches have sunken lesions on them?

Are the leaves notched or have ragged holes?

Is there a white, sticky froth covering the insect eggs on twigs?

Are the leaves discolored, foliage may be webbed?

These symptoms usually indicate a fungal disease - Verticillium wilt. This soilborne fungal disease makes leaves yellow, wilt, and fall off before the entire branch dies. Avoid planting redbud trees near strawberries, potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants as they are susceptible to Verticillium wilt. Soil solarization may prevent the disease.

Your redbud 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 to provide good air circulation.

Sunken lesions are caused by canker or dieback disease. It is caused by a fungus Botryosphaeria ribis. Prune out and destroy dead branches and infested areas. Be sure to make pruning cuts at least 3 or 4 inches below the canker and disinfect pruners between cuts. Spray both the healthy and diseased sections of a tree with Liquid Copper during and shortly after periods of excessive rain.

Various caterpillars attack redbuds, and feed on their foliage. You can handpick and destroy them if the infestation is not severe. BTK spray will help in controlling caterpillars.

Treehoppers lay eggs under the bark of twigs. The insect itself is not seen but the white, sticky froth covering the eggs is quite noticeable. The insect is seldom serious. Use Horticultural Oil in a dormant spray dosage to control treehoppers. Horticultural Oil should be applied when the temperatures are between 35 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Spider mites are known to cause problems for redbud trees. You can control spider mites by spraying plants thoroughly with water 2-3 times a day for several days. For severe infestations, spray plants with insecticidal soap or pyrethrin.

If the leaves covered by small bumps the culprits are scales. 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.