SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane’s WSU Extension Master Gardener Program is sharing tips for anyone concerned about powdery mildew on their maple trees this year.
According to the city of Spokane, powdery mildew has been noticeable on trees around town this summer, raising concern among some in the community.
This fuzzy white powder is a fungal disease that is very visible on maple trees with darker leaf colors.
While trees covered in powdery mildew may look concerning, the city says it is rarely damaging to the tree. It may result in new small shoots being distorted or early leaf drops in rare cases.
Officials say the current strain is specific to only a few types of trees and will not spread to your garden or other plants.
WSU Extension has the following tips for monitoring and treating trees with powdery mildew:
Watch for signs of infection during dry weather, warm days and cool nightsPick off infected leaves when practical to help stop the spread of diseaseGather and destroy fallen leavesSpace out plantings and prune trees to provide good air circulation
Fungicides are available at most garden centers. The city says that while spraying isn’t essential, it can greatly improve aesthetics by reducing the disease.
For more information, visit the WSU Extension website.
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