The main problems with your precious and beautiful Ruby Falls are the attacks of several pests and diseases. There are some other Ruby Falls Redbud problems including transplanting issues, not providing favorable environmental conditions, and all.
Surely, this compact and wonderful tree is a great addition to your landscape. But unfortunately, the owners of this tree are discovering potential problems with the tree and now they are really concerned.
Thinking of it, we have taken the responsibility to come up with the problem details and their solution. So, keep up with us till the end and know everything.
| Reasons | Fixing Guide |
| Canker disease | Proper Pruning |
| Verticillium wilt | Pruning, fertilization, and pesticide |
| Leaf spot | Apply Liquid copper |
| Scale insects | Use Horticultural oil |
| Treehoppers | Use Horticultural oil |
| Spider mites | Apply Pesticides |
| Transplant stress | Ensure favorable environment |
Causes and How to Fix Ruby Falls Redbud Problems
1. Canker
This is the most common disease of Ruby Falls and arguably the most destructive one as well. Canker is also known as dieback. The disease first attacks the plant leaves and eventually makes them wilt and then turn brown.
However, canker is mainly a fungal disease and it is caused by Botryosphaeria ribis. This fungus is responsible for attacking fifty other different trees and shrubs. Moreover, the disease spreads through wind, the splash of rain, and other ways.
Also, there are other causes for canker attacks like open wounds, bacteria attacks, extreme weather conditions and temperatures, and others.
Symptoms
- First attack the leaves and then branches and twigs.
- Wilts the leaves.
- Turn the leaves yellow and brown and then black.
- On stems create small areas of dead tissue.
- Black centers are surrounded by brown sunken areas.
- Blocks the vascular system of the tree.
- Stops transportation of foods, nutrients, and water.
- Grows slowly and becomes deadly later.
Control Measure
Unfortunately, till now no chemical has been invented to completely control the canker disease. The only way to deal with the disease is when it is in the initial stage.
However, it is suggested to remove and destroy the dead and infested branches of the tree. Pruning out is beneficial in such cases.
Nonetheless, while pruning makes sure to make cuts about 3 to 4 inches below the infested wood. Also, make sure to sanitize all your pruning tools so that no secondary infection can take place.
Undoubtedly, the best solution for controlling the canker disease is to adopt preventive measures. Proper fertilization, pruning, pest control, and caring are considered highly effective to protect the Ruby Falls tree from the canker.
2. Verticillium Wilt
Another common problem of the Ruby Redbud tree is the verticillium wilt. The attack can be severe at times. It can even kill the entire tree as well. Mainly a soil-borne pathogen names Verticillium dahlia is responsible for this disease.
Unfortunately, once the disease manages to establish itself there is no going back. That means it becomes tough to eradicate it completely. Also, the disease can enter through an open wound.
Symptoms
- The disease keeps spreading through the vascular bundle.
- The leaves start to turn brown, wilted, dry, and scorched-looking.
- Uneven spots on leaves and other parts of the tree.
- New leaves stop growing and also turn yellow eventually.
- The tree stops thriving and slowly dies.
Control Measure
As we have already mentioned it is difficult to cure the plant entirely from verticillium wilt yet pruning can help to some extent. Prune off the dying or already dead branches. It will not cure the disease but it will surely increase the lifespan of the Ruby Falls Redbud.
Also, good fertilization can help you with that. Use a slow-release Nitrogen fertilizer. Moreover, there are some specific fertilizers available in the market. They are made to protect the Ruby Redbud specifically with biostimulant and mycorrhizal treatment.
Again, ensure deep root watering. Perform it at least two or three times a week.
However, you can take some preventive measures like checking the history. If the area where you are going to plant your Ruby Falls already has such a history of disease attacks then avoid the place. Otherwise, the secondary attack will take place.
3. Leaf Spots
Leaf spot disease is very common in almost all types of plants and trees. Therefore, Ruby Falls also cannot escape from the disease. Nonetheless, the disease mostly takes place in wet weather.
However, leaf spot is a visible disease. Even though it may not seem severe at first but eventually it can be deadly.
Symptoms
- First attack the leaves and then
- Small dark spots are visible on the top of the leaves.
- Eventually, the spot spreads throughout the entire leaf.
- Makes the tree look unsightly because of the visible dark spots.
Control Measure
Since the disease makes the tree look unattractive, you can improve it by spraying liquid copper over the tree leaves. It is one kind of fungicide spray.
To get the best result, try to apply the fungicide when the disease is in its initial stage. Again, you need to apply after 15 to 20 days to get rid of the disease completely.
Moreover, overwintering of this disease can occur if you do not take steps during spring as well. The re-infection happens from the fallen leaves during spring.
So, after the Ruby Falls goes through the bud-break session, try to respray the liquid copper again. Also, during fall, collect all the fallen Ruby Falls Redbud leaves from the ground and burn them away.
4. Scale Insects
Since Ruby Falls Redbuds are trees, insect attack is obvious. Among all insects, scale insects are highly significant. They are problematic and cause damage to the tree.
Small and non-mobile insects mainly attack the stem of the tree. Later they also attack the leaves as well.
Symptoms
- While attacking the stem, the adult insects create waxy bumps on the tree.
- Their crusty appearance seems like an outgrowth from the tree stems.
- The insect sucks up the cell sap.
- Eventually, they turn the leaves yellow and drop.
- They leave a sticky substance on the tree leaves from their body which is known as honey-dew.
- Honey-dew attracts other insects like ants.
- Moreover, honeydew also invites sooty mold.
Control Measure
During spring, the nymphs of the insect emerge from the female eggshell. That time the insect moves to a newer area of the tree. You can handpick the insect at that time and kill them.
However, some homemade remedies are very helpful. You can spray horticultural oil over the tree to remove the insect effectively. The oil suffocates the insect and kills them.
Also, try to apply the spray during mid-summer or spring. Again, if the attack is too severe then apply effective pesticides specifically made for killing scale insects.
5. TreeHoppers
Treehoppers are another problem of Ruby Falls. The insect lay eggs under the twig bark of the tree. However, the insect is not visible in the bear’s eye.
Among the entire life cycle of the insect, the most serious stages are nymphs and adults. Nonetheless, treehoppers are not that threatening to Ruby Falls Redbud.
Symptoms
- Female insects cut into the bark to lay eggs.
- The insect sucks cell sap and feeds on plant tissue.
- They also excrete honeydew and produce black sooty mold.
Control Measure
Since the insect is not that serious and does not cause much damage to the plant, it is easy to remove them by applying some homemade remedies.
You can simply control treehoppers spraying horticultural oil. However, to make the spray more effective you should apply the spray when the temperature is in favor. Generally, 35 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit temperature is considered suitable for the application.
In this case, you may not have to apply any commercial pesticide.
6. Spider Mites
Another crucial insect problem for Ruby Falls is spider mites. These tiny pests are extremely harmful to the tree. Infesting the entire leaves, the pests create yellow speckles all over the leaf surface. The speckles are mainly the result of the spider bites.
At times, spider mites may collapse the entire tree. Thus, their presence creates a severe problem for the tree. However, the significant character of this insect is its creating fine webs of silk underneath the leaves.
Moreover, pest infestation is severe during hot and dry weather. This weather condition is considered favorable.
Symptoms
- The leaves become curled or wilted.
- The yellow-speckled pattern on both sides of the leaves.
- Silken webbing is formed on the undersurface of leaves.
- Pests suck cell sap and lead the leaves to drop.
- In extremely hot and dry weather, the pests can defoliate the entire Ruby Falls.
Control Measure
To control spider mites, you need to recognize the features of spider mites. Spider mites are almost like ground pepper. You will find them underneath the leaf surface. However, you can also use a magnifying glass to recognize the pests.
Also, you can recognize them is to holding a white paper under the tree and making taps on the leaves. The mites will drop on the paper. So, you can catch the pests this way and kill them.
However, in the case of a severe attack, you may have to apply bug spray that is specifically made for controlling spider mites.
7. Transplant Stress
Transplanting Ruby Falls Redbud can create severe problems for the plant. The process can create intense torment for the tree.
However, the stress becomes boundless if you intend to transplant the Redbud Falls when it has already become taller.
Symptoms
- Wilting the leaves.
- Stunting of the tree growth.
- Problems in metabolism.
Control Measure
Try not to transplant the tree when it becomes longer. Moreover, you have to be careful with the transplanting process.
Again, ensure the environment is readily favorable to the Ruby Falls Redbud where you transplant it. The location has to be disease-free.
FAQ’s
Q: Are redbuds messy trees?
Ans: Redbud Falls are hardy trees with amazing flowering shrubs. They are also shade-tolerant. Also, there create blooms and fruits. However, having shrub features, the tree may drop seed pods. Nevertheless, the trees are not that messy as well.
Q: What is the life expectancy of a redbud tree?
Ans: An established redbud tree can live up to 70 years. Their life span ranges from 50 to 70.
Q: Do redbud trees have a deep root system?
Ans: Yes, redbud trees have a deep taproot system. The root system of the tree also grows quickly.
Final Words
Finally, you know the possible Ruby Falls Redbud Problems and when you know about yours, surely you can protect the tree.
Just ensure the tree is getting every care until it gets transplanted. After transplantation, it will again require some care.
So, if our article was helpful enough then let us know through your feedback.
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