One of the reasons why privet is so popular as a hedge plant or individual shrub is its resistance to disease, pests and fungi. These problems rarely occur and combating fungal infestation is usually not necessary.
How to combat privet fungus?
In privet, fungal infestations usually do not need to be combated because the shrub is robust and the problems disappear on their own in autumn and winter. As a preventive measure, you can thin out bushes, remove infected shoots and clean garden tools to reduce fungal spores.
How is fungal infection noticeable?
- Whitish deposits on the leaves
- yellow colored leaves
- Spots on the leaves
- Shedding of leaves in summer
The most common is powdery mildew, which is favored by warm summers. It is characterized by a whitish coating that forms on the leaves in mid and late summer.
The leaf spot fungus can also affect privet. Signs of this fungal disease are spots that appear on the leaves. Sometimes yellow leaves appear, which develop in summer and fall off later.
Fighting fungal infestation on privet is usually unnecessary
If the privet is suffering from fungal attack, there is no reason to panic. The robust shrub can almost always cope with it on its own. The problem resolves itself in autumn and winter when the leaves of the privet fall off.
Fighting fungal infestation on privet is therefore usually unnecessary. The sprays available on the market do more harm than good. Home remedies such as spraying with diluted milk help somewhat, but are hardly possible on a longer hedge.
Cut off affected shoots generously and do not leave them lying in the garden. The privet tolerates generous pruning without any problems and will then sprout again even more vigorously next spring.
Prevention of fungus on privet
There is no real prevention against fungal infestation. The spores are transmitted by the wind and insects, sometimes also by unclean garden tools.
It is helpful to ensure that the privet remains strong. Thin out the bushes a little so that the leaves can dry better after rain and thus reduce fungal infestation.
Pick up fallen leaves with fungal infestation and dispose of them in household waste and not in the compost. Clean all garden tools carefully after each use.
Tip
Yellow leaves on privet are caused much more often by over-fertilization than by infestation with leaf spot fungus. Therefore, avoid giving the privet too many nutrients.
