Elderberry Shrub Mystery

[stevespac]

Hi,
Planted these a few months ago and they were doing well until this has started happening to the leaves from the bottom working it's way up.
Just trying my hand at gardening and this is disappointing. I'm in NY, my soil is alkaline and I've been pretty good about watering. Not sure what to do. See pics attached.

 

[Owdboggy]

Touch of Black spot. Nothing much worth doing at present as they will soon lose their leaves for winter. Might be worth collecting the leaves when they fall to help prevent it next year.

 

[Chuck]

@Owdboggy is correct. Fungi is spread by spores and these spores are spread by water splashing up onto the leaves and also by wind. To reduce this do not overhead water and put a good layer of mulch under the plants. When your plants lose their leaves this year rake them up and burn them as they will have fungal spores on them