Keeping your landscape in proper health is a great way to ensure that it looks great no matter the season. Unfortunately, there are many different illnesses and diseases that can affect your plants if you’re not careful. Knowing how to spot and treat these issues can help ensure that your space looks great and that your plants thrive.
Powdery Mildew
When plants are too close together and don’t get enough airflow, the trapped moisture can create the perfect growing conditions for powdery mildew. As the name suggests, powdery mildew is a white, powder-like substance that grows on the stems and leaves of plants. It often appears in the middle of the growing cycle and can lead to early browning and dropping of leaves. The best way to prevent this issue is to ensure you’re following proper spacing rules and not adding too much moisture to plant foliage.
Root Rot
There are many areas locally where clay is one of the most common soil types. Unfortunately, clay can be difficult for many plants to deal with. Clay has a tendency to hold water which can lead to root or crown rot. This often visibly presents as wilting, the dropping of leaves and branches, and yellowing leaves. When the effects are too extreme, the plant will need to be replaced or the affected area will need to be replaced. If you notice that your soil is mostly clay, one option is to add raised garden beds and use topsoil to create a more drainage friendly place for plants to grow.
Boxwood Blight
The boxwood is a classic landscaping plant in the DMV area, it’s incredibly versatile and welcomes being shaped. However, it also is prone to a disease known as Boxwood Blight, which causes damage to the leaves and can cause loss of leaves throughout the entire plant. Ensuring that plants are well cared for, not too moist, and trimmed regularly helps. Once the disease gets too strong, any affected plants will need to be removed to prevent it from spreading.
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Atlantic Maintenance Group is a full-service landscaping company, providing maintenance, design, and construction, as well as snow removal, and asphalt and concrete services. To get your free quote today, give us a call at 410-768-4720 or contact us via our website today. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest to see how we’re growing!