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Dying trees and bushes #879435

Asked July 30, 2024, 1:49 PM EDT

I have pux of infected trees and Bushes. WISH to know what to do. 1st is Likac Bush. 2nd is Delicious apple 3rd is Stark Bros. Unknown apple. All dying.

Wexford County Michigan

Expert Response

Hi, thanks for the question.

The Lilac seems to be suffering from Pseudocercospora infection Both this and Septoria leaf spot of lilac (related but not the same pathogen as in tomatoes). Are fungal infections that cause leaf spots on common lilacs.   These come with wet humid conditions. By removing diseased leaves and dropped leaves from the area and destroy them you can remove a lot of the pathogen that can infect the tree.  Pruning to allow good air circulation will also help.  Check out the following links: 

Summer Foliar Lilac Diseases | Yard and Garden (iastate.edu)

leaf-spot-on-lilac.pdf (missouri.edu)

Growing lilacs for Minnesota landscapes | UMN Extension

The apples appear to have a similar problem, most likely apple scab.  It is important to remove and destroy dropped leaves and keep tree properly pruned for air circulation.  Appropriate fungicides can be use at green tip. Check out the following links:

Apple scab of apples and crabapples | UMN Extension

How to Prune Neglected Apple Trees | Yard and Garden (iastate.edu)

I hope this helps.


An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 01, 2024, 8:50 PM EDT

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