Bradford Pear Leaf Spot: Fungal, Not Insect—Use Fungicide

Two 18-year-old Bradford pears near concrete driveways: 5 years of July black spots, yellowing, leaf drop. Soaker hoses didn’t help. Trunk has “stretch marks.” Sprayed with “Menace” (insecticide)—worse. Expert: fungal leaf spot—Menace is insecticide, useless. Concrete restricts roots. Treat with Daconil fungicide per label. Unchecked, causes severe defoliation, vigor decline, eventual death. Keep watering.

Correct Diagnosis, Correct Tool

• Fungus ≠ insect → fungicide, not insecticide.
• Daconil controls leaf spot easily.
• Concrete is permanent; water management is key.

Right product saves the trees.