Whats killing my shrubs? - Ask Extension
Last year, this started on a lilac tree that did not come back this year and now it seems to be spreading. Gertens didn't have a clue and sent me to ...
Knowledgebase
Whats killing my shrubs? #868206
Asked May 13, 2024, 1:49 PM EDT
Last year, this started on a lilac tree that did not come back this year and now it seems to be spreading. Gertens didn't have a clue and sent me to you. It appears to be doing its damage on select branches as opposed to scattered.
Thank you
Dakota County Minnesota
Expert Response
In your photos it looks like there may be webbing on the areas where leaves are smaller or eaten. This could be cause by spider mites. to check for mites you can put a light colored paper or paper plate under the area and shake branches to see if insects drop. If it is spider mites the least invasive removal method is to spray them off with a hose. This should be repeated a few times/week until insects are no longer present. Below is a link with more detailed information regarding spider mites.
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/spider-mites
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/spider-mites
Thanks for the response. Try as I might, I don't see the webbing or mites. It does look like something has been eating leaves. Should I remove all the infected branches? Can I cut it to the ground now and let it restart?
You could try removing the impacted branches. Hard pruning the full shrub could be done since it is early in the season.
