Mildew; spraying
Leif has a new article posted in the library. Here’s the first paragraph:
Recently we had some people bring in leaf samples that had some mildew. Actions to improve the situation include pruning and thinning vegetation to allow more air movement and better access to sunlight, spraying with a fungicide several times in May, June, July and selecting a variety more resistant to mildew. An infestation of mildew will not automatically kill the plant, but action is needed to prevent the loss of vigor over time, and perhaps the later loss of the plant if heavy mildew persists year after year. Consumers of lawn and garden services should be aware that representatives of some companies are using high pressure and misleading tactics to secure contracts to spray all the customer’s trees and shrubs for pests and disease. While I am grateful that these services are available when they are needed, I’m afraid that some vulnerable people may be pressured into buying services they do not need, and sometimes cannot afford.
Leif’s articles appear in the Wednesday edition of the Northfield News, in the Farm and Garden section, just behind the sports page. All his previous articles are archived in our web library, going back to 2001.
