We live on Bowen Island and have several arbutus trees. On each tree the old leaves on the lower branches are turning black. Only a few of last year's leaves are still green near the top. Is this normal die back or are they all in trouble?
Not normal, they are probably dying and there is not likely much hope unfortunately. There are several pathogens that cause this and little (or no treatments) that counter them. They often die very quickly.
