The leaves start yellowing with spots, then the leaves lose their chlorophyll. I have sprayed with copper sulfate fungacide and removed the bad leaves, I have also given nitrogen fertilizer and Thrive but the same thing happened again. Is this a bacteria or a fungus? What to do? Thank you for your suggestions.
Cassia trees can suffer from bacterial leaf spot, fungal leaf spot, and anthracnose, all of which cause shot holes with black dots in the center of yellow rings, eventually leaving holes. Bacterial and fungal leaf spots start with small, water-soaked or brown spots that enlarge and develop yellow halos, while anthracnose causes dark, sunken lesions. Insects can also cause similar damage. To manage these issues, remove affected leaves, ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and use fungicides or insecticides if necessary. Bacterial leaf spot is often not curable and must be managed by removing infected parts and practicing good hygiene. I wouldn't fertilize in times of stress, though. This will add unnecessary stress while it is already under stress.
You can find your local extension service, where they can do more testing, with the search bar on the bottom of this page:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/what-is-extension-service.htm
These articles will offer tips on treating these diseases:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/bacterial-leaf-spot.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/plant-leaf-spots.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/alternaria-leaf-spot.htm
I live in southeast florida.... its getting into that hot season. My cassia is 2 years old and has been doing rather well. I am noticing now that its not as full with leaves...i can see more of the branches. the leaves are green, but its definately not as dense with leaves as it was. I am in a south facing home, the tree does get full sun. It is set on water timer 3x week. I did plant marigolds around the base of tree about month ago.. i do supplement an additional watering in that bed to keep the flowers growing. Any ideas of what could be wrong?
It is normal for cassia trees to drop leaves, but they should regrow soon. Trees do best with less frequent, but deep watering. Cassia trees must be planted in well draining soil. In addition, cultivating the soil beneath the tree to add flowers can disturb the feeder roots. It's best to only put mulch under a tree, no plants.
Here is more:
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST127
https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/Pages/casfisjav/casfisjav.shtml
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/cassia/growing-cassia-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/cassia/cassia-tree-pruning.htm