Lilac bushes leaves turning brown - Ask Extension
I have a row of standard purple lilac bushes in my yard and some on the opposite side of my yard. Their leaves are turning brown. It started on the ...
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Lilac bushes leaves turning brown #880247
Asked August 05, 2024, 12:32 PM EDT
I have a row of standard purple lilac bushes in my yard and some on the opposite side of my yard. Their leaves are turning brown. It started on the one side of my yard and now I see some starting on the opposite side. I've had them for many years without issue. What is it and what can I do to stop it from getting worse? They have very dear sentimental value as they came from my grandmother's lilac rows. I'll do anything to save them. There is new growth but even those are starting to get spots. I don't know of anyone in my area to come diagnose/cure them.
McLeod County Minnesota
Expert Response
This has been happening to lilacs for the past couple years. It is a form of a blight. It is not fatal. Sanitation is the remedy. Pick up and destroy leaves as they fall and clean up completely this fall. You may want to consider some rejuvenation pruning. Cut 1/3rd of the oldest, thickest stems to the ground. This allows for air circulation and encourages new growth. Do this for 2x years more and your lilacs will be basically new growth. Here is a link to more information: https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/leaf-spot-diseases-trees-and-shrubs#bacterial-leaf-spots-1156513