During the Spring and Fall, many of our favorite trees and shrubs are affected by mold and fungus. Most molds and fungi are not fatal to the plant. While they are treatable, the results can take some time to clear up.
Sooty Mold
Sooty Mold affects Boxwoods, Crape Myrtles, Hollies and more. It causes a soot like residue over the whole leaf, making the plant look like a coal dust was applied all over. It is almost never fatal, and is in fact the indicator of a pest infestation. The mold grows on the honeydew excretions from the insects as they feed on the leaf tissue. Source: University of California IPM
Treatment
We can treat the issue by eliminating the insects feeding on the tree or shrub. This depends on the season, as many insects are dormant during parts of the season, and an insecticide will not “hit” the intended pest. We can also apply a systemic chemical that the tree or shrub absorbs, this chemical will make the foliage distasteful to the pest insects when they return or emerge to feed again.
Dog Vomit Mold
Yes, the name says it all. This mold looks like dog vomit in your landscape, so don’t go blaming Fido before you inspect. This mold often grows in mulch beds, especially beds where there is poor drainage or freshly mulched beds. It can appear overnight as the “fruiting body” blooms following a dry spell and the fungus reproduces to avert extinction. Source: University of Wisconsin-Extension
You can spray it with water to break up the larger masses, or scoop up the material with a shovel. It will not harm plants or the mulch that it’s growing on.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery Mildew is most common on Lilac shrubs, but it also affects Impatien annuals and other plants. It looks like ashes have been scattered all over the leaves. It is mainly aesthetic, but can cause damage if left over multiple seasons.
Treatment
Using a spray fungicide like Daconil or other popular brand is the simplest course of action. Apply the spray to the affected areas to achieve a wetted surface.
Scale
While not a fungus or disease, scale looks like a fungus or mold that grows on the stems of the shrub or tree. It appears like white bumps all over the stems or fluffy white tufts like snow. It is actually a pest that pierces and feeds on the plant. It is called scale because the adult female affixes her mouth onto the plant, then forms a hard shell or scale substance over her body before she dies, then the eggs within her abdomen hatch and break out of the shell. Yikes!
Treatment
The best treatment is to saturate the affected areas with horticultural oil in the active season, mainly spring. The oil suffocates the pests and does not harm the plant.
If you feel that you have a diseased plant, give us a call or fill out a free estimate request!
