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brown leaves on our lilac #879562

Asked July 31, 2024, 11:04 AM EDT

We have seen lilacs in our area of Saint Paul almost entirely turning brown. Our side yard lilac seems fine; our backyard lilac seems increasingly to turn brown. What I read on your website is that there is not much to do now, except to rake the leaves before snow comes. I.e., there is nothing to do now. But I wonder: a fungicide, pruning, ....? Thank you.

Ramsey County Minnesota

Expert Response

Hi, 

Many lilacs are getting bacterial blight this year. Here's some helpful web pages:

https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/lilac-bacterial-blight

http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/lilacbacterialblight.pdf

If you don't think this is blight, this page may help you narrow the cause:

https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/lilac/

The only way to determine if this is blight is to have a sample of the plant tested. The Plant Disease Clinic at the U of M does this, but for a price. You can find more information here:

https://pdc.umn.edu/

Both of the links above suggest ways to manage the disease, including raking up and disposing of fallen leaves and, when it is dry, pruning to open up the plants and allow better air circulation.

That’s all you can do right now. Good luck.


MJ Replied July 31, 2024, 9:32 PM EDT
Dear MJ,
Thank you.  I had missed your reply until today.  You have given me more information, and links, than I had before.
I appreciate the help.
Sincerely,
Rich Carter

On Wed, Jul 31, 2024 at 8:32 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied August 14, 2024, 9:26 PM EDT

You're welcome!

MJ Replied August 14, 2024, 9:44 PM EDT

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