I estimate the tree is probably around forty-fifty years old, I've been in this house for six years. About two years ago I noticed reddish (what I thought was pollen) 'dust' covering my car. I found out last year the tree was infected with some sort of fungus via the internet (trying to find out what type of tree it was). I have done more searching this year considering the condition of my tree (I found out it was a Washington Hawthorn, and that it is infected wtih Cedar Quince rust).

It has the fungal 'spikes' on the 'berries' and on some of the small new branches. The disconcerning thing is that the bark is now peeling off and it is red-orange underneath, I don't know if that is normal or also the fungus (I have tried to search on the internet to no avail). But the leaves look healthy and only a few (four or five) have dropped off at this point. Most the websites said that it is rare for Cedar Quince rust to kill the tree but my tree bark doesn't look so great (but the leaves and all of the 'established' branches look fine).

I am a totaly newbie at all of this, I do not garden, I do not know any of the terms, so if you need to explain something to me, act like I'm a total idiot (which at the point I am!). I really really really appreciate any information anyone provides, websites, pointing me in the right direction, anything!!!!

Fungal diseases such as this can be controlled with the Sick Tree Treatment including a spray of compost tea plus potassium bicarbonate.