Powdery Mildew: A Common Garden Woe in Bloomfield Hills

Owen Tree Service spray technicians in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, often face the challenge of powdery mildew, a fungal disease that can affect various landscape trees and shrubs. This white, talcum-like growth on leaves can be frustrating, but with the right approach, you can manage and prevent its spread.

Understanding Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew thrives in warm, humid conditions with cool nights - a common occurrence in Bloomfield Hills' summer climate. It appears as white, powdery spots on leaf surfaces, stems, and sometimes flowers or fruit. While it rarely kills plants, it can significantly reduce their vigor.

Prevention Strategies

1. Choose resistant varieties when planting.
2. Ensure proper plant spacing for good air circulation.
3. Plant in sunny locations to reduce humidity around plants.
4. Water in the morning and avoid wetting leaves with overhead irrigation.
5. Use organic mulch to prevent spores from splashing onto leaves.

Treatment Methods

If you spot powdery mildew in your landscape, act quickly:

1. For a localized infection, remove severely infected leaves and dispose of them in the trash, not compost.
2. Apply fungicide treatments to slow the spread to adjacent foliage.

Long-term Management of Powdery Mildew

To keep powdery mildew at bay in future seasons:

• Prune plants to improve air flow.
• Clean up fallen debris at the end of the season.
• Use slow-release organic fertilizers to avoid excess nitrogen, which can promote susceptible new growth.

By implementing these strategies, Bloomfield Hills residents and Owen Tree Service can effectively manage powdery mildew and you will enjoy a healthier landscape.