I have a Baldsmith that has shown problems for the past 18 months. Fall of 2009 there was a distinct color difference in the top 1/4 of the tree followed by early leaf dropping. Spring of 2010 there was considerable evidence of dying branches in the area that had the premature leaf dropping. This winter I noticed a small opening in the bark of the effected area with seeping moisture. Can anyone identify the problem? Also, I could remove the entire effected section and still have a reasonably shaped tree but would certainly not do the removal if the problem would not expand. If removal is required is this an appropriate time to do so? Any help would be appreciated as it is a wonderful specimen. Thanks. Photos attached. #1 and #2 taken Oct. 2009, #3 and #4 taken 12/26/2010.
I can't put a name to the problem, can't even say for sure if it is bacterial or fungal, or whether the black lesion is the primary infection, but if I was in your shoes I would not be willing to take the chance of the infection spreading to the rest of the tree. It sounds like the whole limb is in serious decline and that the disease is in the vascular system. My 2 cents' worth would be to cut your losses and remove the branch entirely; now would be a good time to do so, pick a dry day and afterwards burn the branch or otherwise dispose of it safely away from your property, just to be on the safe side. As you are in WA, and if you are willing to pay a (reasonable) fee, you can have the pathogen identified by sending (or taking) a sample to WSU at Puyallup: http://www.puyallup.wsu.edu/plantclinic/samples/ppd.html. It is likely that whatever the pathogen is the best course of action will still be amputation of the infected limb. Hope that helps.
