The good news is there are practical ways to manage it and reduce the risk of it returning. Learning what to look for (and what to do next) is the first step toward protecting long-term tree health.
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Shot hole fungus is a common tree disease that primarily affects stone fruit and ornamental trees, especially those in the Prunus family (such as cherry, plum, peach, apricot, and some flowering cherries).
Shot hole fungus spreads through fungal spores that move between trees and plant surfaces, and it can persist from year to year in infected plant material. In managed landscapes, nurseries, and urban plantings, it’s often considered a recurring issue, especially when conditions allow the disease to establish early.
Like some of the other tree diseases we’ve discussed, shot hole fungus is easy to recognize once you’ve seen it; its symptoms are very distinctive. It usually starts as small spots on the leaves, then progresses into the classic “shot hole” appearance. The tree literally looks like it’s been hit by buckshot as the damaged tissue dries up and drops out.
Symptoms can appear in spring or early summer, depending on the tree species and local conditions, and they’re most noticeable on new growth. It is, however, a progressive disease, with the symptoms noted below following a natural progression depending on the severity of the infection.
Shot hole fungus can look dramatic, but early recognition is useful because it allows for better timing of mitigation, cleanup, and prevention, especially in managed landscapes where trees are planted close together, and disease pressure can build quickly.
As noted above, shot hole fungus is caused by fungal pathogens that infect trees through leaf tissue and young twigs, most often when new growth is tender and more vulnerable.
A key part of what makes shot hole fungus so persistent is that it can, and does, survive between seasons in infected leaves, twigs, buds, and plant debris. When conditions are right, spores spread from that material onto healthy foliage, allowing the disease cycle to restart.
In managed landscapes, nurseries, and urban plantings, shot hole fungus is more likely to take hold when trees are under stress or when the canopy stays dense and slow to dry. This makes dormant season pruning and regular tree maintenance essential.
Over time, repeated infections can weaken overall tree health, making trees more susceptible to other pests and diseases.
Understanding the causes of shot hole fungus is an important step toward preventing tree diseases, especially for property managers and city teams responsible for maintaining healthy, resilient trees.
Like other fungal tree diseases, there really is no “cure” for shot hole fungus. Treating it is mostly about reducing disease pressure and preventing repeat infections, not trying to “cure” damaged leaves once symptoms appear.
Unfortunately, by the time leaves have holes, the infection has already happened, so the goal really becomes limiting the spread, protecting new growth, and supporting overall tree health.
For property managers, landscapers, and city forestry teams, a consistent treatment approach can keep shot hole fungus from becoming a recurring seasonal problem.
This is the most practical step property managers and city forestry teams can take.
Shot hole fungus thrives when foliage stays wet.
Healthy trees handle leaf disease far better than stressed trees.
In recurring problem areas or high-value trees, fungicides may be used as part of a preventative plan.
Untreated shot hole fungus can be fatal, but spraying can help reduce its recurrence. When treated, it may not be fatal but it can:
Proactive and preventative care are often your best options. With consistent tree maintenance and good canopy management, most sites can significantly reduce the impact year after year.
Shot hole fungus is one of those tree diseases that can recur if conditions remain favorable year after year. Mitigation is less about a single “fix” and more about reducing the disease’s ability to cycle through a landscape and limiting the factors that can make the environment inviting.
For properties and urban sites with multiple susceptible trees, mitigation strategies include:
In urban and managed landscapes, mitigation is about stacking small, consistent practices that reduce disease pressure over time. This will help keep trees healthier, canopies fuller, and maintenance needs lower. Long term, that translates to saved resources, both time and money.
In urban and community forests, trees are often planted close together, share irrigation zones, and face many of the same stressors. That proximity makes shot hole fungus more than just a cosmetic issue. Once it’s present, it can rapidly cycle through a landscape, moving from tree to tree via moisture, wind-driven rain, and infected debris.
If you’re seeing signs of shot hole fungus or want help preventing it, reach out to the SuperTrees team. We can support you with guidance on tree diseases, tree maintenance insights, and, as always high-quality nursery stock. Whether you need tree services, help selecting the right trees, or planting assistance, we’re ready to help.