Blights can be bacterial or fungal in nature. They cause stunted tips, die back on foliage, stems and/or flowers. They are commonly caused by wet and humid conditions, though they can appear wherever you have the right pathogen, the right plant and the right conditions. Some blights may require chemical applications, whereas other blights may only require pruning and better air flow. They spread rapidly when there is a lack of air flow, so make sure your plants are well-spaced to avoid damage in the landscape.
Pine tip blight is common in our landscapes. You’ll see the tips of these pines’ needles brown and/or curl, affecting the new growth. Because the dead, infected pine cones and needles will drop and spread the fungal bodies, it’s important to clear these out of the landscape bed each season. Chemical can be applied to reduce the spread of the fungal bodies, though, because this fungus attacks older trees you may need a boom-sprayer for the best coverage. We have limited planting susceptible trees because of the future maintenance and environmental impact.
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Nebraska Nursery & Color Gardens
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