3 Plant Diseases That Cause Problems for Trees & Shrubs in Florida

In Florida, several plant diseases can cause problems for your trees and shrubs, including anthracnose, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes dark, sunken lesions on leaves, stems, and branches, leading to defoliation and dieback. Leaf spot is another fungal disease that causes small, circular spots on leaves, which can lead to defoliation and weakened plants. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on leaves, stems, and flowers, leading to stunted growth and reduced vigor. If you notice any of these signs on your trees or shrubs, it's best to contact professionals to treat them and prevent further damage.

1. Anthracnose

Anthracnose is a common plant disease that affects a variety of trees and shrubs in Florida. It is caused by a group of fungi that attack the leaves, stems, and branches of plants. The disease is characterized by dark, sunken lesions on the leaves and stems, which can lead to defoliation and dieback.

Anthracnose is most common during warm, humid weather, and it can spread quickly through a plant if left untreated. To prevent and control anthracnose, it is important to prune infected branches and dispose of them properly. Fungicides can also be used to treat the disease, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully and apply the treatment at the right time.

2. Leaf Spot

Leaf spot is another common plant disease that affects trees and shrubs in Florida. It is caused by a variety of fungi and bacteria that attack the leaves of plants, causing small, circular spots to form. These spots can be brown, black, or yellow, and they can eventually lead to defoliation if left untreated.

Leaf spot tends to appear during periods of warm, moist weather, and if it isn’t managed, it can move rapidly throughout the plant. One of the best ways to control it is by trimming away any affected foliage and making sure the debris is removed from the area. In some cases, fungicide applications may be necessary, but they should always be used according to label directions and timed appropriately for best results.

3. Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is a widespread fungal disease that impacts many different types of trees and shrubs across Florida’s landscapes. It is easily identified by the distinctive white or grayish powdery film that forms on plant surfaces, including leaves, stems, and even flowers. This coating not only detracts from the appearance of plants but can also interfere with photosynthesis, weakening their overall health.

The disease thrives in warm, humid conditions, which are common throughout much of Florida, and it can spread rapidly if not addressed early. Infected plants may experience slowed or distorted growth, diminished strength, and premature leaf drop, all of which reduce their vigor and beauty. While powdery mildew is rarely fatal on its own, repeated infections can leave plants more vulnerable to other stresses and diseases, ultimately affecting their long-term health. Regular monitoring and prompt treatment are key to minimizing the impact of this fungal issue.

Call us today to schedule our tree and shrub disease control service.

If you're dealing with a plant disease on your trees or shrubs, we can help. At FertiGator Lawn Care, we offer a tree and shrub disease control service that includes treatments that are effective against a variety of diseases, including anthracnose, leaf spot, powdery mildew, and more. Additionally, treatments are also available to protect your plants from insects, and we can fertilize your plants to keep them supplied with the nutrients they need!

We offer our plant disease control service to residential property owners in The Villages, FL, and surrounding areas like Lady Lake and Wildwood. Give us a call today at (352) 314-2867 to schedule our tree and shrub disease control service and keep your trees and shrubs healthy and beautiful!