Question
My husband planted a lilac bush in out back yard in May of this year.  In the last couple of weeks the leaves have started to turn white? It almost looks like a white ash on them, I'am not sure what to do, can it be saved?

Thank you for any help you have!

Answer
Sounds like powdery mildew. This is a fungus that will infect many species of plants. The plant should be sprayed with a fugicide --make sure all surfaces of the leaves are covered with the spray mixture. You can get ready to use sprays at most garden type stores. Here is a web link that discribes powdery mildew and its control and lists the recommedned fungicides. http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/3000/3047.html