Why does my Arbutus unedo 'strawberry tree' have black spots on it's leaves?

when i say strawberry tree, i mean trees and bushes. about 20 of them in a 1000 square metre area. last year there were a few spots but now they are everywhere. some stems have also gone black with purplish black leaves
Why does my Arbutus unedo 'strawberry tree' have black spots on it's leaves?
Your tree is suffering from either Strawberry leaf spot or Strawberry Anthracnose, which infects fruiting strawberry plants as well as your tree varieties. You need to purchase a fungicide and treat it at once to control any further damage to the trees. The best fungicide to use is "Daconil 2787" available at all leading garden centers. I have used this product for over 20 yrs and swear by it. It controls over 100 different garden diseases and funguses..Ortho makes this product..Mix according to the label and treat the trees on top of the leaves as well as the underside with a handheld or backpack sprayer. This will not reverse any damage that has already been done, it will only control the disease in the non infected leaves.. You need to repeat another treatment about 12 to 14 days after the first one... Hope this helps. Good luck and Happy Easter! Here is a couple of links explaining the diseases mentioned...



PS. I see that Ortho has changed the name of Daconil to "Ortho Multi-Purpose fungicide.. Check the last link for this info..

http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/pp/extensi...

http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/pp/extensi...

http://www.epinions.com/content_10598977...



... Billy Ray
Reply:These trees like to grow in an acid free soil, try watering with lime, one hand full of lime to a watering can of water, plus you could add some general fertiliser
Reply:mold levels
Reply:Do not panic: conventional fugicides can be effective but I've found a couple of products that aren't harmful to you or your plants.



"Green Cure" insanely effective; easy to use and applied with a garden spayer



"Gardens Alive" offers a few fungicides that are also very effective.



Once treated, be sure to aplly fresh mulch to prevent spores from splashing up ( even from rainfall ) and redepositing on plants.



Some species require the occasional pruning to insure better air circulation, all well.



Good luck.
Reply:It sounds like it might be a fungal disease called, Rust or Black Spot. A real good place to go for diagnosing plant problems is:



http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/gl_diseases_pes...



Good luck!!
Reply:Could be any number of things. Take a sample to your local lawn and garden center, they can help you determine whether its a type of disease, parasite, or a simple plant in need of nourishment.