FredL

Orn, this has been a very unusual Summer in NW Arkansas and many of the forest trees are also showing stress in various ways. Many are losing their leaves early and leaves seem to be more damaged than any year I can remember. And, the trees you are referencing all had severe root pruning or were overcrowded in grow boxes that they should have been repotted from last Spring.

I'm inclined to think that it is not fungus that is causing your tree's problems but is their reaction to severe stress caused by rootpruning and the unusual Summer conditions. Most of the black areas on the leaves occurred when they were repotted and the leaves partially died. The Persimmons look like Persimmons typically do at this time of year.

My suggestion is to just leave them alone until next Spring and see how they break dormancy at that time. I suspect that, if my past experience is an accurate guide, they will surprise you with the recovery they make next Spring. At least, those in their own pots. The overcrowded ones that have never been repotted must be repotted or they will continue to weaken.

Also, check your e-mails, young man. We have available to us an opportunity to collect deciduous trees and take a look at Pines that could be collected next Spring!

Fred