Will the tree die if it loses its leaves?

Not necessarily, but it is a sign of stress. If the tree is otherwise healthy, it will often grow new leaves once the stressor is removed.

Are black, warty growths causing the leaf drop?

Usually not. Those growths are black knot, a fungal disease of the branches. It rarely causes leaf drop directly, but over time it can kill the branches it infects. You must prune out those infected branches well below the growth to stop the spread.

Why is my chokecherry losing its leaves? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the branches for silken webs or nests.
Check the soil to see if it is bone dry.
Look for signs of black, warty growths on the branches.

Likely causes

Tent Caterpillars
Most likely
How to tell: You will see silken webs or nests in the crotches of branches. The caterpillars eat the leaves, leading to defoliation.
What to do: Prune out the nests early in the morning or evening when caterpillars are inside. Dispose of the nests in a sealed bag or bucket of soapy water.
Severe Drought
Possible
How to tell: The tree sheds leaves to save water during extreme dry periods. The leaves may wilt or turn brown before falling off.
What to do: Increase your watering frequency to every 7 days during extreme heat. Apply a 2 inch layer of wood mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your chokecherry

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Be concerned if the tree loses a large portion of its leaves mid-summer. It is perfectly normal for the tree to drop all its leaves in autumn.

Stopping it coming back

Monitor the tree for early signs of caterpillar nests in spring. Keep the tree well-watered during its first few years to build resilience.

Chokecherry: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your chokecherry and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Will the tree die if it loses its leaves?: Not necessarily, but it is a sign of stress. If the tree is otherwise healthy, it will often grow new leaves once the stressor is removed.
Are black, warty growths causing the leaf drop?: Usually not. Those growths are black knot, a fungal disease of the branches. It rarely causes leaf drop directly, but over time it can kill the branches it infects. You must prune out those infected branches well below the growth to stop the spread.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why is my chokecherry losing its leaves?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your chokecherry?