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What is attacking my service berry tree/shrub?

Nessdizzle Formally 6a, now 9b Central Florida

7 years ago

I've had these for going on 3 years now and they've always looked great. But this year they look like the worst ever! It's apparent that something is trying to take over this thing but the question is 'what'?

Featured Answer

NHBabs z4b-5a NH

7 years ago

Powdery mildew? How is soil moisture for the plant? It tends to affect stressed plants more, but some types are more susceptible, and they are generally more susceptible in some areas due to growing conditions. Clean up/remove foliage as it falls, and do a really good cleanup this fall since the disease overwinters in fallen leaves. I don't think you can do much this year now that it's infected other than good care, but there may be fungicide sprays, either organic or non-organic, that you can use next spring as prevention.

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Comments (6)

Nessdizzle Formally 6a, now 9b Central Florida
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you!! :)
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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
7 years ago
is it hit with a lawn sprinkler?

ken
Nessdizzle Formally 6a, now 9b Central Florida
Original Author
7 years ago
No! I actually watered my lawn for the first time just yesterday..it's been a while since we've had rain and figured time to give the lawn a drink. But nothing before then?
NHBabs z4b-5a NH
7 years ago
Water the base of the plant, not the leaves, long and slowly. If you aren't sure if it needs water, stick your finger into the soil. If it's dry water it. The disease is stressing it, so it doesn't need more stress from being overly dry, and at least here, it's been very dry, with less than half the usual moisture for June following a quite dry spring.
wisconsitom
7 years ago
Thank you thank you Babs....for dispelling the oft-seen myth that powdery mildew is the result of excess moisture and wet foliage. Indeed, you've correctly nailed the point that it is specifically drought-stressed plants that are most susceptible to this malady. Hardly ever hear anyone get that right!

And while the advice to not wet the foliage may still apply-after all, we haven't necessarily nailed down the ID of whatever is happening here-it is also true that the fungus responsible for powdery mildew-unlike most other fungal pathogens-does not require wet foliage to get going.

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