Vande Hey Design Center

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Each spring though fall we see a steady steam of chewed or infected leaves, stems, and branches making their way into our garden center for diagnosis.  Sometimes the diagnosis is easy and sometimes we may never figure out the problem.  In every case, our client is looking for some chemical or treatment to cure their ailing plant.  Sometimes the problem can be treated but more often than not, there is nothing we can do.  Why not?  In almost every case, early detection is the key.  Many fungal problems have no cure once the infection has started or once the caterpillar has defoliated the plant.  At that point, it is too late to treat the problem.

So, what should you do?  I'd recommend that, on a weekly basis or more often if you choose, take a casual stroll through your landscape. Look for the subtle changes in your plants that might foretell a problem in the works.  Look for misshapen or discolored leaves.  Look for leaves that have have unexpectedly fallen to the ground and check them for signs of trouble.  Look for partially eaten or chewed leaves or any creatures taking up residence on the leaves, petioles, or stems.  Look for bumps, growths, or lesions not present earlier.  Once you've detected a problem in its early stage, collect a substantial sample of the plant and come in for help.  With early detection, you may be able to nip the trouble in the bud because it spreads to the entire plant.