We’ve had this tree in our backyard since we moved in 3 years ago and it has always done very well throughout our hot summers (Las Vegas zone 9), until this year. It looks like it’s dying. Possibly burning from the sun/heat. I’ve been trimming branches to try and salvage it but it just keeps getting worse. There’s a lemon tree and pomegranate tree behind it in the photo, so it may look a little confusing.
Any tips would be very helpful!
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Welcome Kristen,
Your tree may have Fireblight, I’m not an expert but it seems to fit this description.
Dead, blackened leaves and fruit cling to branches throughout the season, giving the tree a scorched appearance , hence the name “fire blight.” Infections can extend into scaffold limbs, trunks, or root systems and can kill highly susceptible hosts. Less susceptible varieties might be severely disfigured.
Some areas are infected more than others, fortunately I have not had it here where I live. Your County extension agent may know if your area is susceptible. Try sending them a pic for analysis.
@fruitnut may also know what you should do.
Dennis
Kent, wa
It’s probably not fireblight in Las Vegas. Any chance it’s pocket gophers?
Other than that it has been very hot in Vegas. Way hotter than an apple likes. So, it could be a root issue possibly aggravated by the heavy watering demanded in that heat. I do know of figs that have died in that area because people needed to water almost constantly, drip all day long. Constant water and hot soil is a recipe for soil borne fungal pathogens.
This all makes a lot of sense. Is there any way of salvaging it, you think? Or is it done for?
Thank you for your reply! I was thinking something similar. Just seems weird that it hasn’t happened in previous years.
If it’s a root issue it’s probably toast. It looks to be toast. But you’ll know soon enough. If the bark scatch test comes up brown, it’s a goner.
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