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Hi everyone.

I've been away for about 4 weeks and came back to both my Hawthornes having lost the bottom 2 thirds of their leaves. Suspect we'll lose the top ones soon. Because of the winds I cant find any dropped leaves so I cant see evidence of disease but there was a fuchsia plants below which looks like it has a sort of brown rust. I'm down in Kerry and the weather has been unrelenting in its misery (except for last Saturday). the fuchsia is showing signs of recovery with new leaves. Does anyone have any idea what is ailing my trees? I should also add that they didnt flower this year?? What can I do to help them recover?

Thanks

[michael brenock]

the tree is probably affected by either Fireblight or small leafspot. Fireblight is more serious as it also affects apples and Pyracanthas. The leafspot is more than likely accentuated by the bad wet weather and humid conditions. The description that you give where the older and lower leaves are most affected tallies with the normal progress of the disease. It will not kill the tree but will reduce the vigour. There has probably been small outbreaks of it other years but the weather in a "normal" was sufficient to prevent its advance. I presume that no insects or caterpillars were present, too wet for them.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

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Thanks Michael. Anything I can do about this?

[michael brenock]

sorry for delay in reply. There is nothing you can do now, wait for improvement in weather. In Winter cut off the top 6 inches of each shoot.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired0

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Thanks Michael