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Lowly Leylands
by Sydni Ingram | Thomas County Extension Agent
SYDNI INGRAM
About this time every year , I receive heaps of calls from area residents concerning Leyland cypress trees . And the question most frequently asked by homeowners is - “ why are the branches on my Leylands turning brown and dying ?” or “ why is my tree brown from top to bottom ?” The reason that limbs are browning and dying right now is largely due to three disease problems – Passalora needle blight , Seiridium blight and Botryosphaeria canker - all of which are caused by fungus . Keep in mind that we are talking about dieback that is occurring now , during the spring . Later this summer , hot weather will also become a factor and contribute to sporulation and root disease . Because I know to expect these calls every year I sought out some information from Dr . Jean Woodward , a plant pathologist with the University of Georgia Extension Service in Athens and asked her which diseases cause these problems and how to tell the difference . Here is what she had to say :
Passalora needle blight is the most commonly seen disease in Leylands right now and is caused by a common fungal pathogen . Once a tree is infected , needles will turn brown and eventually drop off . Branches near the bottom of the inside portion of the trunk are the first to show signs of Passalora needle blight and can be more severe on one side than the other . If the trees are irrigated with a sprinkler or are near a lawn irrigated by a sprinkler the disease will be more apparent . North and west facing sides of the trees will likely show more signs of the disease as well due to the dew drying slower on those areas . I often see severe cases where green needles are only found on branch tips . This disease can be more difficult to diagnose whereas others are much easier . To reduce the spread of this disease prune out infected branches and reduce splashing from irrigation systems around the trees . Disinfect
28 February | March 2022 Thomasville Scene