Sad looking Quaking Aspen Sappling - Ask Extension
I planted a few quaking aspen saplings last year and this one looks diseased with white fuzz on the leaves. Any idea what causes it to look this way?...
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Sad looking Quaking Aspen Sappling #868629
Asked May 15, 2024, 7:40 PM EDT
I planted a few quaking aspen saplings last year and this one looks diseased with white fuzz on the leaves. Any idea what causes it to look this way? Is there anything I can do to help it?
Grand Traverse County Michigan
Expert Response
It appears your aspen is infected with the fungal disease called powdery mildew.
Powdery mildew produces a grayish coating over the leaf. This powdery mass consists of the thread-like mycelia and spores of the fungus. Powdery mildews are unusual in that unlike most fungi they grow well under dry conditions. Spraying with a fungicide does not remove the existing infection.
Although it detracts from the appearance of
leaves, powdery mildew causes little damage to aspens, and control is usually not justified.
Powdery mildew produces a grayish coating over the leaf. This powdery mass consists of the thread-like mycelia and spores of the fungus. Powdery mildews are unusual in that unlike most fungi they grow well under dry conditions. Spraying with a fungicide does not remove the existing infection.
Although it detracts from the appearance of
leaves, powdery mildew causes little damage to aspens, and control is usually not justified.
How likely is it to spread to trees about 8 ft away?
Does it die off after a winter or will it come back every year?
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease; its spores can be spread by wind or raindrops. Whether or not it comes back next year is strictly a guessing game as it is weather-related. But still, it is not that harmful to your saplings; it is just somewhat unsightly.
