Shrub Problems Part 2

ChlorosisJust like people, plants show physical signs of sickness. If noticed in time, the problem can be corrected, if not prevented altogether. Chlorotic Plants usually display symptoms that include yellowing leaves and slight wilting. A lack of chlorophyll causes this symptom. Usually a good application of fertilizer will cure this issue. If not, then further detective work will be necessary. First step, check soil PH around the plant. Check to see what type of plant you have and research what the optimum PH should be. If the acid content around the plant is off, then the chemistry just isn't there to allow the plant to consume the fertilizer. Second option, check for any type of insect population around the plant. It could simply be that some type of pest has overwhelmed the plant. The third thing to check is the roots. Dig a hole at the drip line of the plant to the base of the root ball. If you find standing water, the plant may be drowning.

Fungal Diseases

Another common problem with shrubs is disease. Most commonly cause by fungus. Fungus is one of the must successful categories of organisms in the world. It can be found virtually everywhere in any environment. Even alcohol is a byproduct of fungus. So it should not be any surprise that fungus can live in plants. There are many type of shrub fungi. Powdery Mildew, Leaf Spot, Blight, Leaf rot, the list goes on an on. The best way to fight a fungal problem is to prevent it. A regiment of broad spectrum fungicide from April through August usually does a great job of disease prevention.