Entmosporium fungal leaf spot is a common disease that affects various trees and plants with fungal spores most commonly following severe rainy weather. The fungus creates black fungal spots on leaves and may cause premature drop which can lead to defoliation of severely diseased leaves. Spores are typically spread by splashing water or contaminated leaf litter from rainfall or irrigation during the active growing periods of Spring (Feb-June). The disease develops most rapidly during the cool, wet weather leaving young, expanding leave susceptible to infection. In some plants, the fungus can remain year-round on leaves and splash spores from infected tissue to healthy leaves.

Fungicide treatments will not reverse or correct any currently damaged leaves. It’s important to note that there is no treatment to reverse appearance of any current damaged foliage. Treatments can help prevent new damage from occurring and spreading to currently uninfected foliage. Additional treatments may be needed if fungal growing conditions continue.

Commonly affected trees: Ornamental Pear Trees, Cherry Laurels, Loquat, Natal Plum, Hawthorn, Photinia, Rhaphiolepis, Toyon, Willow, and Roses, to name a few. Pruning can help increase air movement within a canopy and promote rapid drying of foliage. Managing removal of infected leaves can help to reduce the spread of disease.

Always remember to keep a close eye on your plants and trees. Contact our team to set up a healthcare plan via the link below.