Rust Fungus

Question

I planted a cranapple tree years ago along with a washington hawthorn. One in front yard and one in back. the hawthorne got the fungus first and last year it migrated out back to the cranapple. it has just about killed the hawthorne. very little blooming going on there. the cranapple bloomed well this year, but the blooms seem to have died off quickly, replaced by an orangish end where the blossom was and they are falling all over the porch creating quite a large amount of debris. Hoping this fungus thing doesnt kill it,is there an inexpensive overall easy treatment? The tree is heading for 30 ft tall and spraying is not an option. Can I feed it with something that will kill the fungus? it is such a beautiful tree in bloom and I hope there is a cure.

Answer 1

You need to look for a juniper tree nearby and monitor it for telltale orange galls of cedar-apple rust. The disease requires hosts in two plant families - red cedar/juniper and crabapple, hawthorne, or serviceberry. The disease does not typically cause harm to the trees. You can prune off affected twigs and branches. These articles should help:

https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/cedar-apple-rust

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/apples/how-cedar-apple-rust-affect-apples.htm