Leaf & Needle Drop
A well-cared-for plant in the landscape that suddenly begins dropping leaves or needles can be a very troubling sight. There is usually no need to be alarmed, since leaf and needle drop often occurs...
Category: Trees
Maple Diseases & Insect Pests
Diseases Leaf Scorch: On maple (Acer species) trees a number of problems cause symptoms that are generally classified as leaf scorch. Scorch symptoms are light brown or tan dead areas between leaf...
Dogwood Diseases & Insect Pests
The flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is a small, deciduous ornamental tree that is native throughout the eastern United States. Although dogwoods are well adapted to South Carolina, they can be...
Landscape Tree Decline
Landscape tree decline may be a combination of several biotic, environmental & chemical factors that slowly kill trees. If stresses add up, trees may go into decline. Stressed trees are more apt...
Black Gum
Black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), or black tupelo, is a medium to large growing deciduous tree native to USDA zones 4 to 9. Few trees are able to compete with black gum in regard to summer and fall...
Powdery Mildew
Introduction Powdery mildew is the name given to a group of diseases caused by several closely related fungi. Their common symptom is a grayish-white, powdery mat visible on the surface of leaves,...
Holly Diseases & Insect Pests
Diseases Black Root Rot: Black root rot is caused by the fungus Thielaviopsis basicola. This fungus primarily affects the root system and reduces plant vigor. Aboveground symptoms may include...
Juniper Diseases & Insect Pests
Junipers grown in South Carolina are relatively low-maintenance plants if planted in the correct location and given proper cultural care. There are several common problems that can cause browning of...
Oak Diseases & Insect Pests
Although oak trees (Quercus species) are well adapted to South Carolina, they can be commonly affected by many pests and diseases. Maintaining healthy oak trees, by following recommended cultural...
Armored Scale Insects & Control
Many armored scales are serious pests of ornamental shrubs, trees, groundcovers and turfgrasses in South Carolina. Almost 40% of the Clemson Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic sample submissions for...
Leyland Cypress Diseases, Insects & Related Pests
Leyland cypress (x Cupressocyparis leylandii) has grown in popularity in the Southeast over the last few decades, especially in its use as a fast-growing, screening plant. With the increased...
Crapemyrtle Bark Scale
The crapemyrtle bark scale (Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae) is a recently introduced pest from Asia that initially infested crapemyrtles (Lagerstroemia spp.) in Texas during 2004. Since then, it has...