Why Does My Bayberry Look Unhealthy?

Do the leaves have any small circular or irregularly shaped dry spots that are gray to straw in color?

Are there any wet spots on leaves that turn brown and rot away?

Do the crowns and roots have a dark, water-soaked appearance that spreads to petioles and leaves?

Are the leaves yellow, branches, and leaves are covered with small bumps?

These symptoms indicate a fungal disease - Anthracnose. Keep plants dry when watering to prevent spread. Spray plants with copper when the first fruit develops if you have had problems in the past.

Leaf blight is caused by bacteria that develop during wet springs and overwinter on the tree to re-appear the next year. Prune away and destroy affected foliage and branches. Help prevent blight from infecting your umbrella tree by protecting it from frosts or wet weather in the early spring.

These symptoms indicate fungal disease Phytophthora Crown Rot. Young plants die quickly. It can manifest around the base of the trunk. Gum will ooze out of the bottom of the trunk and the upper crown roots. To treat, carefully remove the bark and rot, then wipe the area down with a wet towel to be sure you’ve removed it all. Apply copper fungicide on the damaged parts and stay watchful to make sure it does not return.

Soft scales often attack bayberries. Scrape off minor infestations with your fingernail. Prune out badly infested growth, or use a soft brush and soapy water to gently scrub the scales off the stems. Control scales by spraying insecticidal oil during the growing season.

If your plants have yellow leaves and a stunted look the culprits are whiteflies. These tiny, mothlike flies and their larvae feed by sucking plant juices. Whiteflies secrete honeydew, a sugary substance that makes leaves sticky to the touch. Control whiteflies by eliminating garden weeds and by introducing green lacewings in the garden. Spray infested plants with insecticidal soap every 3 days for 2 weeks.