It’s that time of year again when the leaves start to turn yellow and fall off the trees. And while some people may think it’s just a sign of autumn, it’s can also a sign that the ligustrum trees are suffering other problems.
Ligustrum is a genus of flowering plants in the olive family, Oleaceae. The genus includes about 50 species of evergreen or semi-evergreen shrubs and small trees native to temperate and subtropical regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Ligustrum leaves turning yellow
Ligustrum is a popular shrub in many landscapes because it is easy to take care of and has few problems. However, one problem that Ligustrum may have is leaves that turn yellow. Sometimes, this yellowing is caused by a nutrient deficiency in the soil. Other times, it is caused by too much or insufficient water. If the leaves turn yellow and have a wavy appearance, it is most likely due to too much water.
Why is my Ligustrum turning yellow?
A nutrient deficiency is the most common reason for Ligustrum leaves to turn yellow. Ligustrum is a heavy feeder that requires regular fertilizer applications to maintain its health and vigor. A lack of nitrogen is the most common nutrient deficiency in Ligustrum. It is usually the result of either under-fertilization or improper fertilizer application. If your Ligustrum is turning yellow, check to see if it has been adequately fertilized. If not, apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Ligustrum is a hardy tree that is slow to show any symptoms of disease or infestation, so it can be alarming when its leaves begin to turn yellow. While there are several reasons why this may happen, the most common is a nutrient deficiency. Other causes include water stress, disease, pests, or chemical damage.
If your Ligustrum’s leaves are turning yellow and you’re trying to figure out why to, start by checking the soil. If the soil is lacking in nutrients, that could be the problem. You can correct this by fertilizing the tree. If you suspect water stress is the issue, ensure you provide enough water. Ligustrums are drought-tolerant trees but still need a good water supply to stay healthy.
Disease and pests are other possible causes of yellowing leaves. In addition, Ligustrum is susceptible to diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. These diseases cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually drop off. If you suspect your Ligustrum has a disease, scrutinize the leaves for signs of disease. If you find any, treat the plant with an appropriate fungicide according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you suspect either of these, scrutinize the tree and look for signs of pests or disease. If you find anything, treat it according to the recommendations of a professional.
There is also an insect problem; Ligustrum is susceptible to insect pests such as scales, aphids, and whiteflies. These insects suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and eventually drop off. If you suspect your Ligustrum is infested with insects, scrutinize the leaves for signs of pests. If you find any, treat the plant with an appropriate insecticide according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Finally, damage from chemicals can also cause ligustrum leaves to turn yellow. This is most often seen in trees treated with herbicides or insecticides. If this is the problem, stop using any chemicals on the tree and see if the leaves return to normal.
How do I fix yellow leaves on my bushes?
If your ligustrum leaves turn yellow, it is likely due to a nutrient deficiency. You can fix this by fertilizing your plants with a product that contains iron. You should also make sure that your plants are getting enough water. If you live in an area with very high temperatures, you may need to water your ligustrum bushes more frequently.