I have a redbud tree that touches a crabapple tree and this in turn touches a fire bush. All three are now dying from the point of where they touch and it is moving towards the center of the trees and bush.

All three were healthy earlier and the limbs on the parts that have died are brittle, like they have been dead for years.

Please help ASAP as I would hate to loose the crab apple.

Hi George:

You pretty much have two options:

1) Contact your local UI Extension office and ask to speak with a horticulturalist or Master Gardner. You may need to bring in pictures or samples of your ornamental trees to your local Extension office.

UI Extension Office Locator: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state/findoffice.html

2) Contact a certified arborist for an onsite assessment of your trees.

Find a Certified Arborist:

http://illinoisarborist.org/services-we-provide/find-an-arborist/

Best of luck!