Would you like your Crabapple seared or crispy?

[Jester]

Hi there crazy kids!!

I have had the attached Crabapple (Can't remember if it is a floribunda or Profusions) for about 3 years. It was in the ground and then I put it in a bonsai pot in Spring. Everything was going swimmingly until one afternoon I had a look at it and all the leaves had gone crispy. Now I know that you're all going to say that it did'nt get enough water but I am pretty dilligent with the watering. I guy at work who grows normal crabapples (not bonsai size) said that sometimes they can get a fungal infection that causes this and that I should treat the soil with Fongarid. I told him that I was adamant that it was more likely caused by not enough water and that the leaves did'nt look like they were suffering from a fungal infection. He said he understood that and still insisted the problem was fungal (despite the apperance of the leaves making the tree look like it was water defficient) and that the attack can be quite sudden.

Can anyone add to this?

Regards

John

[Watto]

Jester, as there is still some green on some leaves, my plan would be to allow as much normal evolution of the season to take place as possible, and as the leaves fall, collect them and dispose of them away from your trees. When dorment, spray with a fungicide (protecting the soil) and assess in the spring when the new growth appears.
I should say that I have a similar problem with one of my apples and that this is the plan for it.
Good luck

[alpineart]

Hi Jester , i have had several ground growing Crabs and Hornbeams do the same thing this year . I put it down to all the rains we have had . They look like they will die all the leaves have now dropped but i have left them in the ground and all have budded up ready for next season .I think mother nature is a little confused in my case .

Cheers Alpineart

[Jester]

Hey thanks guys, I have noticed some new buds coming up so I'll play it by ear.

Thanks again

John