Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Saturday - August 02, 2014
From: Forest Park, GA
Region: Southeast
Topic: Diseases and Disorders, Trees
Title: Pecan tree dropping dead leaves
Answered by: Nan Hampton and Eric Beckers
QUESTION:
I have a very old, tall pecan tree in my yard that has been dropping dead leaves for the last three weeks. My back yard looks like it is the Fall season. Do you have any insight on this?ANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants contacted Eric Beckers of the Texas Forest Service to help answer your question about your pecan tree. Here is what he said:
"Pecans are often dropping something whether it's dead twigs and limbs or dried up leaves. If the leaf fall wasn't weather related, the greatest suspect would be the neighborhood population of squirrels. They seem to remain constantly busy high up in the canopies and can do a fair amount of damage to pecans and other shade trees. If the leaves are stunted or deformed then there could be an issue with pecan scab which can also damage the nut crop. Other diseases, like bacterial leaf scorch and downy spot can also cause early defoliation."
You can read about various diseases affecting pecans and how to prevent and treat them from Clemson Cooperative Extension and the Georgia Pecan Information page.
You might also contract the Clayton County Extension Office to learn if there are reports of others about problems with their pecan trees.
More Diseases and Disorders Questions
Problems with maple tree in Redding CA
July 17, 2012 - I have a 2 yr. old October Glory tree that is looking bad. It leafed out this spring, but not as much as the others. In total I have 9 red maples along a fence row about 15 feet apart. The trees on ei...
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native Chinaberry tree from Tucson AZ
September 05, 2013 - I have a 30+ year old Chinaberry tree and this year the branches are much sparser with leaves and there are a lot of small dead branches. Should I fertilize and what should I use? Thank you
view the full question and answer
Need help with a 50 ft Tulip Tree with storm damage in Brownsburg, IN.
June 30, 2010 - I have a 50 ft Tulip tree that suffered storm damage. One for the main branches split at the top fork and fell. It has left about 6 ft of exposed wood but there are still a couple of main branches in...
view the full question and answer
Problems with hibiscus in Florida
November 09, 2008 - Have a hibiscus in Florida. It has always done beautifully planted in the ground. This year, it has developed something where the branches are sort of white, and the buds (and ends of branches) look ...
view the full question and answer
Fungal root rot in non-native Shasta daisies in Channahon IL
July 21, 2009 - HELP! My Shasta daisies have fungal root rot. Is there any way to save them? I've been removing the browned stems. I'm so sad.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |