One of my gardening/shrub pruning customers has a C. kousa with upward leaf roll on the top of the crown of the tree (say, 11 to 1 if it's a clock face) and also on some of the leaves lower in the crown. We had almost 4 inches of rain here a few weeks ago - the irrigation is off and soil is still plenty moist. Is this likely a water related issue? And have you seen this clear up or will it continue after soil moisture levels go down?
There is no marginal scorch; I would say the leaf color is a little lighter green than usual. No wilting - leaves are turgid.
Talked to the local ag station - they said they'd had calls on this issue and had not ever found an associated pathogen - suspected it was water levels. I'd love to hear what others have seen in this regard, and any suggestions for care.
Tree was mulched with fine mulch right up to the trunk, which I pulled away. Many trees on property are planted too deeply; however, I think this one is okay as to depth.
thanks.
PS: First thing I did this spring was encourage her to hire an arborist. She has interviewed one (very high priced) and I am just found another for her to talk to.
