What Is Wrong With My Fringetree?

Are the leaves spotted, brown, and drop prematurely?

Are the leaves covered with white powder?

Does the tree lacks vigor and shows signs of drought stress regardless of the watering regime?

Are the leaves discolored, fine webbing may be present?

Are the leaves yellow and covered by small bumps?

Does the trunk and the branches have holes, tree look weakened, twigs may be dropping?

Spotted leaves usually indicate fungal leaf spot. Some fungal spots are surrounded by flecks or black dots, their spore-bearing fruiting bodies. Often spots come together to form larger patches of dead tissue. Pick off and discard infected leaves. Remove dead leaves to reduce overwintering spore populations.

White, powdery patches on the leaves are caused by a fungal disease Powdery mildew. Powdery mildew usually appears in damp places. Encourage good air circulation around the affected plants by thining them and any surrounding plants. Water plants from below to keep foliage dry. Any affected leaves should be cut off and removed. Spray foliage thoroughly with wettable sulfur once or twice at weekly intervals starting as soon as the whitish coating of the fungus is visible.

Phytophthora root rot is a fungal disease of fringe trees that occurs occasionally. These soil-borne pathogens can cause a tree to die within a few years if not treated. Treating phytophthora root rot disease is possible. You should use fungicides containing the ingredient fosetyl-al. Follow label directions.

Spider mites are known to cause problems for fringe trees. Hose off plants when symptoms first appear. A strong stream knocks mites off plants and may give control. Introduce predatory mites. For severe infestations, spray plants with insecticidal soap or pyrethrin.

Yellow leaves covered by small bumps are caused by scales. These tiny, shelled insects often feed on the undersides of the leaves, causing an unhealthy appearance with yellowish blotches on the upper leaf surfaces. 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.

Numerous borers attack woody plants, mining the inner bark and wood of branches and trunk. Prune off borer-infested branches. If you see borer holes in your trees, probe into them with a flexible wire or inject a solution of parasitic nematodes. After treatment, seal holes with putty.

If leaves and stems have been eaten whole the problem may be deers. If deer frequent your property then your plants are in jeopardy. Barriers provide the most reliable long-term protection from deers.