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Common Lilac Rust #867100
Asked May 05, 2024, 12:46 PM EDT
I planted this small Common Lilac earlier this spring. We are in the Grand Junction area, zone 7b. We had our soil tested last year and found no critical issues - just a general lack of NPK and other micronutrients. We have not sprayed this area with any herbicides since we bought this property two years ago. I amended the planting area with compost last year, let it age, then mixed it up with the soil underneath this year, right before planting the lilac. Other than that, I haven't done anything but monitor the soil for moisture. This lilac is on a new irrigation zone I set up this year and I'm still dialing in the settings. So the soil has been wetter than I would prefer over the past couple of weeks. During that time, the leaves began to brown, only on this one lilac - there are 3 others in the same area under similar circumstances that are not like this. Is this only due to excess moisture, or is something else going on? What do you suppose is happening and is there anything I can do?
Mesa County Colorado
Expert Response
The browning could be due to excess moisture and some transplant shock. As you dial in the water, watch for new growth and see how that comes in. If it stays green or eventually browns. If it continues, please contact our help desk: <personal data hidden>.