Rhus dieback

[scm]

A customers Rhus suddenly dropped all its leaves towards the end of last summer then started sprouting again before the autumn.

Any ideas as to what would cause this and how to proceed.

It has just started producing leaves this week but one side of the crown has not. This side has about 50% live buds & 50% dead. Its also rubbing against some Poplar branches.

There are no obvious signs of Fungi or marks on the trunk.

Any help would be great.

[Rich Rule]

Do you have pictures Stu? They would help with any diagnosis from the experts.

[scm]

I know, will put some up tomorrow. Really couldn't see anything untoward on it. Hopefully someone will spot something i didn't(probably startlingly obvious too )

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

I would answer but I will get bashed for repeating an often used diagnosis!

[Rich Rule]

Tony, Stu is asking for help. I don't think he will bash you. Just looking for advice. Isn't this what it's about?

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

Tony, Stu is asking for help. I don't think he will bash you. Just looking for advice. Isn't this what it's about?

 

 

im taking the micheal out of those who would say what they might when i say this sounds like Armillaria on an initial no photographic basis!

 

lets see some images fella:thumbup1:

[HCR]

Waterlogging? Should be easy to rule out at least.

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

Waterlogging? Should be easy to rule out at least.

 

and armillaria loves that situation:thumbup:

[scm]

Only took pics of the stem as i could see nothing abnormal in the crown(though with hindsight i feel i might have missed a trick there).

Stem did disappear under neighbour's shed and decking which have been there several years so water logging could be likely.(what was the weather like last summer, i was abroad for some of it?)

[scm]

this seems to match my customers description of what happened to her Rhus.

Verticillium wilt / Royal Horticultural Society