Sweetgum Branch Dieback: Botryosphaeria Canker or Bacterial Leaf Scorch

Healthy sweetgum has branches with all leaves dead but branches alive. Disease?

Two Possibilities

1. Botryosphaeria Canker

• Sunken dark cankers, blackened wood
• Leaves wilt on affected branches
• Management: Prune dormant, destroy wood, disinfect tools, irrigate

2. Bacterial Leaf Scorch (Xylella fastidiosa)

• Leaf color change, drop, branch dieback
• Affects sweetgum, oak, elm, sycamore
• No cure—manage stress

Next Step

Send sample to Ag Dept/college lab for confirmation. Treatment differs.