Pest Research for North African Landscaping: Resource Links

Starting Points Information on North African plant pests is scarce. These resources may help: ICT Update – Plant Resources IUCN Mediterranean Programme Jardí Botànic de Barcelona – Mediterranean Flora Consider contact

New Japanese Maple Brown Leaf Spots: Phyllosticta Leaf Spot

Diagnosis Brown spots with purple-red borders on new Japanese maple in windy shade = Phyllosticta leaf spot (fungal). Spots may develop black rings (fruiting bodies) later. Management Usually cosmetic; minimal health i

Japanese Maple Bug Infestation: Likely Aphids, Systemic Treatment

Identification flea size on grafted Japanese maple with dead branches = likely aphids (some species are brown). They suck sap, causing wilting. Treatment Bayer Advanced Tree & Shrub Insect Control (soil drench) – kill

Maple Leafs Out Two Weeks Late: Genetic Variation, Not Disease

Explanation One of five same-species maples leafing out later with darker, rougher bark is normal genetic variation. Different varieties or seedling genetics cause timing differences. Advice No concern if tree eventuall

Powder Puff Fungus at Japanese Elm Base: Harmless Decomposer

Identification Brown, bulbous growth at base releasing brown “smoke” (spores) when kicked = a puffball fungus (likely Lycoperdon or similar). A saprotroph decomposing organic matter, not a tree pathogen. Verdict No harm

Leyland Cypress Dead Streak Spreading: Get a Forester's Diagnosis

Complex Issue Dead streak spreading up a 40-ft Leyland cypress in April suggests canker (Seiridium, Botryosphaeria) or root disease. Hard to diagnose remotely. Best Action Contact NC Forest Service: Pest Management Spe

Euonymus Scale on Golden Euonymus: Soil-Applied Systemic Control

Identification White specks on leaves/stems, leaf drop, stem dieback = Euonymus scale (armored scale). Males are white, narrow; females brown, oyster-shell shaped. Effective Control Bayer Advanced Tree & Shrub Insect C

Grapevine Bleeding Sap After Late Pruning: No Sealant Works

Cause Pruning after Christmas (when sap rises) causes unstoppable bleeding. Sealants (Arbex, torch) fail on active flow. Outlook Bleeding slows as leaves expand and transpire. Vine may weaken but rarely dies from bleed

Dwarf Pear Black Leaf Edges: Overwatering in Alkaline Soil

Diagnosis Black, withered edges on new pear leaves = drowning. Pears (pome fruits) hate wet feet, especially in alkaline Texas soils with temperature swings. Fix Cut watering to once a week. Plant on a mound for draina

Lion's Mane Fungus on Willow: Decay Fungus in Hollow Trunk

Identification Large, white, cauliflower-like then slimy growth emitting brown powder = Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane, Bearded Tooth). A wood-decay fungus fruiting on a wound/hollow. Implications Fungus decays heartw

Webs and Tiny Yellow Bugs on Indoor Grapefruit: Spider Mites

Identification Webbing + tiny yellowish bugs = spider mites. Common on indoor citrus in dry heated air. Control Immediate: Wash tree with soapy water (dish soap + water) in shower/sink. Follow-up: Pure Neem Oil (Dyna-G

Leafminer on Lemon Tree in Palm Springs: Tolerate or Trim?

Identification White, curly trails on leaves = citrus leafminer larvae mining inside the leaf. Management in Hot Climates Trim off infested new growth (leafminer prefers flush growth). Fertilize in cooler months to avo

Meyer Lemon Dropping Leaves: Watering Technique and Pot Drainage

Key Issues Overwatering: Watering whole pot too often; citrus dries from outside in. Pot drainage: Must empty saucer within 15 minutes. Fertilizer burn: Use slow-release only. Pests: Gnats/fungus gnats indicate soggy so

Dwarf Boxwood Yellowing: Nitrogen Deficiency Fix

Diagnosis Yellowing of older inner leaves on dwarf boxwood indicates nitrogen deficiency. Treatment Apply 10-10-10 fertilizer at 1 cup per bush, scattered around drip line, watered in. Repeat in late summer. Ensure soi

Lilac Buds Wilting, Gray Bark Spots: Multiple Pests and Diseases

Potential Problems Lilac borer: Wilting shoots, especially on drought-stressed plants. Leaf miner: Tunnels in leaves, skeletonization. Scale: Gray bumps on lower stems. Bacterial blight: Black stripes on shoots, leaf sp

Persistent Aphids on Fuchsia: Raise Plant Sugars with Atomic Grow

Why They Return Aphids target weak plants. Insecticidal soap further weakens the fuchsia, creating a cycle. Overwatering also lowers sugar (Brix) levels. Break the Cycle Atomic Grow foliar spray: cleans stomata, raises

Weeping Cherry Not Flowering: Borer Damage and Fertilizer Fix

Issues Sap weeping (borers), thinning canopy, and no flowers on a 15-year-old weeping cherry indicate chronic stress. Steps Borers: Insert a needle into sap holes to kill larvae (non-chemical). Fertilize: Slow-release

Meyer Lemon Leaf Edges Yellow: Miracle-Gro Salt Buildup Suspected

Diagnosis Yellowing starting at leaf tips and moving inward on Meyer lemon, while other citrus tolerate Miracle-Gro, suggests salt toxicity from that fertilizer. Miracle-Gro’s carrier salts accumulate in pots, burning ro

Dahlia Leaves Curling: Overwatering, Nematodes, or Chemical Residue?

Three Possible Causes Overwatering: Check soil moisture; dahlias need well-drained soil. Root-knot nematodes: Microscopic worms damaging roots; soil test can confirm. Sprayer residue: Herbicide/insecticide leftovers in

Do Arborvitae Attract Mosquitoes? No—But Unhealthy Plants Attract Insects

Myth Busted Arborvitae don’t inherently attract mosquitoes. Any plant that’s metabolically unbalanced (low sugars, stressed) emits signals that attract insects. Solution Plant arborvitae confidently. Provide proper fer