Question
Our Bradford trees are 16 yrs old and have been healthy.  Recently, I noticed an orange spikey growth on quite a few branches.  Next to the growth, the leaves have turned black.  Is it a fungus or an insect?  How to treat?  We live in east TN.  Thank you.

Answer
Sounds like a fungus from excessive moisture or rain.  The black leaves may be black sooty mold from a recent insect infestation.

Treating a tree is sometimes difficult unless you have big spray equipment.  You need a systemic product to go in through the roots.

GO to www.crowleynursery.net.  She has a product called Atomic Grow all natural and is a systemic detoxing product that can be mixed up in a 5 gallon bucket and poured around the roots.

Good luck

james