Common plant problems in the Atlanta area
PESTS & PROBLEMS
Atlanta’s growing season provides plants with almost year around growth. Because of this long growing season pest populations can build to thresholds where plant damage can occur. The natural and man-manipulated environment in Atlanta can also cause stress and eventual decline in our landscapes and forests. The following is a list of some of the more common pests, cultural problems and environmental problems we may encounter year to year.

Leaf Spot Diseases

hawhtorne leafspot small.jpgLeaf spot diseases can be hard to control when they occur on susceptible plants.  Plants such as Dwarf Hawthorne, roses, Photinia (redtip), hydrangea and laurel are extremely susceptible especially when conditions are conducive to the development of disease.
For instance overhead irrigation can allow leafspot fungi to develop rapidly causing severe cosmetic damage to the plant often leading to defoliation.hydrangea leafspot small2.jpg
Treatment for these leafspot fungi is available but are of only limited help if the plant is susceptible or grown in poor conditions.  The best bet is to not plant susceptible varieties or if you do plant these plants plant them in optimal growing conditions.
rose leafspot small.jpg

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