Canadian Red Chokecherry Leaf Scorch: Overwatering and Fungal Risk

Canadian Red chokecherries (2+ years) dried leaves after dry winds. New sod/sprinkler system waters 2× daily for 30 min. Branch tips show green growth despite dead leaves.

Problem

Chokecherries (Rose family) are fungal-prone. Watering 2× daily causes waterlogged soil → root suffocation or fungal disease. Defoliation = stress response.

Fix

• Reduce watering frequency drastically.
• Let soil dry between deep soakings.
• Sod and trees conflict—hard to satisfy both.

Hope

Trees often refoliate after stress-induced leaf drop if roots survive.