Hornbeams are very hardy trees with few diseases and pests. A bad location, drought or too much moisture are often responsible for the occurrence of diseases. This is how you can see what the hornbeam is missing and what you can do about it.

The robust hornbeam rarely gets sick

What diseases and pests can occur?

Aphids and other pests are rare. With the hornbeam, the gardener often has to deal with the following diseases and pests:

  • powdery mildew
  • leaf spot fungus
  • hornbeam spider mite

Recognize and treat powdery mildew

The leaves of the hornbeam are covered with a whitish coating, curl up and show yellowish and brown spots. These disease symptoms indicate powdery mildew.

Powdery mildew occurs when there is too much moisture. Water the hornbeam more frequently during very dry summers and winters, at least while it is young.

Cut off and discard affected leaves. If the infestation is severe, a fungicide will help.

How to fight leaf spot fungus

The leaf spot fungus is noticeable by brown and yellow spots on the leaves. It primarily damages very young trees, for which it can pose a real threat.

Cutting helps here too. If the fungus cannot be contained, you should use an appropriate fungicide on younger hornbeams.

What to do against hornbeam spider mites!

Hornbeam spider mites are often very intense. First, the leaves get small dots. Later they are covered with a fine mesh and fall off.

Just cutting doesn't usually help. Treat the hornbeam with a spray against spider mites.

Always discard infested foliage

With healthy hornbeams, it makes sense to simply leave the leaves lying around in spring. It forms a protective mulch layer and supplies the hornbeam with nutrients.

However, if the tree is affected by diseases or pests, you must always dispose of the leaves and all cut off parts of the plant in the household waste.

Under no circumstances should these leftovers be composted. The pests and fungi can then spread and infest other plants.

tips

Prevention is also better than cure for hornbeams. Make sure that the hornbeam is neither too dry nor too wet. Regular care by thinning prevents the spread of diseases.

Category:

Trees