no leaves this year on my english walnut tree

Question

There are 2 trees. both produced no leaves this year. Last year both had full tree of leaves. What is happening? They are both over 70 years old and stopped producing walnuts about 6-7 years ago. Did they both die at same time?

Answer 1

Look for potential causes of death, such as disease or pest infestation. Black walnut trees suffer a number of diseases, such as anthracnose, canker or brown leaf spot. You may notice yellowing or spotted leaves, or in the case of cankers, black, sunken spots on the bark. If the canker completely girdles the trunk, the tree is likely dead or will be soon because nutrients can’t reach the roots.
Look for potential causes of death, such as disease or pest infestation.
Trim some twigs or branches, and examine the inside of the wood. Brown, dry wood indicates the twigs and branches are dead, although the entire tree might not be dead. Green inside the wood means the twigs and the tree are still alive.
Given both trees are suffering the same issue; could indicate a disease.
You can take a wait and see approach and see if they recover; leaves in the spring or contact an Arborist to examine the trees.