DISEASE ID · FUNGAL DISEASE
Entomosporium leaf spot
Also called Photinia leaf spot, red tip photinia leaf spot, Indian hawthorn leaf spot
A fungus that spots the leaves of red tip photinia and Indian hawthorn. Bad cases drop the leaves and thin out your screen.
How to spot it
- Tiny, round, bright red spots on young leaves
- Spots on both sides of the leaf
- Small spots join into large purple to maroon blotches (bright red on Indian hawthorn)
- Older spots turn gray-brown with purple edges and black specks
- Leaves drop in bad cases
Why it shows up
The fungus survives in infected leaves on the plant and on the ground under it. Rain and sprinklers splash the spores around, and leaves have to be wet for infection to happen. It is worst after frequent spring and fall rain, when it is 60 to 80 degrees and the plant is growing.
How we treat it
We will identify it on a visit and recommend the right fix. Start with the basics: pick up fallen leaves, water early in the day, and go easy on pruning and feeding that push soft new growth. If a treatment makes sense, we will talk it through with you. In bad cases, replacing the plant may be the better call.
What you can do
- Rake up and bag fallen leaves.
- Water early in the morning, or use drip so the leaves stay dry.
- Hold off on heavy pruning and fertilizer during wet spring and fall weather.
WANT IT HANDLED?
Let a licensed applicator take it from here.
Tell us about your lawn. We’ll get back to you with a free quote.
Prefer to talk? 817-382-1722Licensed applicator, Texas Department of Agriculture · License #0984138