- How does fungal infestation become noticeable?
- Combating fungal infestation on the privet is usually superfluous
- Prevention of fungus on the privet
One of the reasons privet is so popular as a hedge plant or a solitary shrub is its resistance to disease, pests and fungal attack. These problems are rare and fighting fungal infections is usually not necessary.
Discoloration of the leaves can indicate fungal infestation
How does fungal infestation become noticeable?
- Whitish deposits on the leaves
- yellowing leaves
- spots on the leaves
- leaf shedding in summer
Powdery mildew, which is favored by warm summers, occurs most frequently. It is shown by a whitish coating that forms on the leaves in mid and late summer.
The leaf spot fungus can also attack the privet. Signs of this fungal disease are spots that appear on the leaves. Sometimes there are also yellow leaves, which develop in summer and later fall off.
Combating fungal infestation on the privet is usually superfluous
If the privet suffers from fungal infestation, there is no reason to panic. The hardy shrub can almost always handle it on its own. The problem is solved anyway in autumn and winter when the leaves of the privet fall off.
Combating fungal infestation on the privet is therefore usually superfluous. Commercial sprays do more harm than good. Home remedies such as spraying with diluted milk help a little, but can hardly be carried out on a longer hedge.
Cut off affected shoots generously and do not leave them in the garden. The privet tolerates a generous pruning without any problems and will then sprout even more vigorously next spring.
Prevention of fungus on the privet
There is no real prevention against fungal infestation. The spores are transmitted by wind and insects, sometimes by unclean garden tools.
It is helpful to ensure that the privet remains strong. Thin out the bushes a little so that the leaves can dry off better after rain and thus reduce the fungal infestation.
Collect fallen leaves with fungus and dispose of them in the household waste and not in the compost. Thoroughly clean all gardening tools after each use.
tips
Yellow leaves on privet are much more often caused by over-fertilization than by an infestation with leaf spot fungus. Therefore, avoid giving the privet too many nutrients.