Poplar shedding leaves in spring

[Sabrina81]

There's a large poplar at my apt. complex that is shedding dry, dead leaves. All the other trees are full green (mid-May in central Virginia). My questions: Does this mean the poplar might be dying?

I ask because the tree is about 25 feet from an apt. building and leaning slightly toward it. If it is sick and getting weak, it could blow over in a storm and do major damage to the building. I thought I would mention it to the apt. management, but wanted to ask here first. Thanks.

 

[Jeff Kowell]

Does the tree have white mildew on it ?


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[Jeff Kowell]

If it doesn't push soon then it's toast . Possibly Anthracnose


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[Sabrina81]

Does the tree have white mildew on it ?


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I don't see any signs of mildew.

 

[Sabrina81]

If it doesn't push soon then it's toast . Possibly Anthracnose


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It has lots of healthy looking green leaves. The dry, dead leaves seem to be coming mainly from the lower branches.

 

[Jeff Kowell]

It would be on any live leaves that are left


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[Jeff Kowell]

If the area was watered for years and then abruptly stopped for whatever reason . In about Year or so the tree would decline


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[Sabrina81]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm going to suggest to management that they have someone take a look at it. They've got a landscaping service that takes care of all the grass and shrubbery and such, so maybe they can tell if it's sick.

 

[flyingsquirrel25]

Herbicide damage or lightning strike are two possibilities as well.

 

[JD3000]

Too early for poplar rust?

 

[Jeff Kowell]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm going to suggest to management that they have someone take a look at it. They've got a landscaping service that takes care of all the grass and shrubbery and such, so maybe they can tell if it's sick.

Higher an arborist . Most landscapers don't have the knowledge for tree issues .


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[SomethingWitty]

Higher an arborist . Most landscapers don't have the knowledge for tree issues .

But they may seem to if you aren't asking questions.