What is wrong with my Purple Leaf Sand Cherry?

Question

I have a purple leaf sand cherry that has been healthy for the 2 years it's been planted, but developed an issue this summer. Many of the leaves have light brown spots covering a majority of the surface. I have looked for aphids and found none. Same for other pests. See pic here: http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll6/valachimus/photo.jpg

Answer 1

Looks like leaf spot disease.  Please read this link to get good ideas on how to prevent it from happening next year.  http://www.hort.uconn.edu/Ipm/homegrnd/h...

A common reaction is to run for the sprayer and quickly apply a chemical to the ailing tree. Usually this is a waste of time and money. The majority of trees and shrubs have learned to live with leaf spot diseases. Even severe defoliation will not cause the death of an otherwise healthy tree. Also, the by the time symptoms of leaf spot are obvious, it is often too late to apply a chemical for control.

Trees which are subject to serious injury when attacked by a leaf spot fungus are those trees which are under stress. This might include recently transplanted trees, trees growing under droughty conditions or trees weakened by continuous insect attack The additional stress of a leaf spot disease on an already weak tree may cause permanent injury or death. In such cases, chemical control of leaf spots is often recommended.

In order to be effective, the proper fungicide must be applied as a protectant before the fungus spore is disseminated to the leaf. Most leaf spot fungi infect trees early in the spring just as the leaves are unfolding. Successful control usually requires two to three spray applications. In general, the first spray is applied at bud break and the second seven to 14 days after that. A third spray might be necessary, particularly during rainy periods. The more rain the more frequent the spray applications must be.

Some recommended fungicides for control of leaf spot diseases are: chlorothalonil (Daconil 2787 or Bravo), fixed coppers, mancozeb, maneb and zineb. If you need more information, contact the Consumer Horticultural Center at your local University or Extension Office. Read the pesticide label thoroughly and follow all recommendations.

Since many of the leaf spot fungi overwinter on fallen leaves, one cultural method of reducing the severity of leaf spots is to rake and destroy all old leaves under the tree. This will reduce the number of fungal spores available to infect developing leaves in the spring. Disposing of old leaves is not likely to be effective if leaves from the same species of tree or shrub in your area are not destroyed because spores of most of the causal fungi can be wind disseminated for long distances.

Answer 2

Any idea what time of day the damage is done and look for strange bugs hanging around looking fat? The problem with that line of reasoning leaves out the possibility they are predictor bugs eating those dining at your house. If you live in the east coast it could be a leaf miner, if you're on the west or south it think it could be snail or slugs. I like to identify the pest quick so I don't have to nuke the entire neighborhood. Take a piece into the County Agent and find out for real.RScott