Managing Minneapolis Leaf Spot Diseases

Minneapolis leaf spot diseases are not necessarily harmful to trees and shrubs. However, leaf spot diseases affect the quality and appearance of your landscape. Fungi and bacteria cause "leaf spots" on trees most frequently. Some leaf spot diseases can harm the plants or trees they infect. You can identify a leaf spot disease by the appearance of spots on the foliage. Because leaf spot diseases are active, spots can combine to become larger blotches, which negatively impacts the look and health of the tree. As a result, the tree may die and never grow fresh leaves. Fortunately there are preventative measures you can take to protect your tree(s). Follow these tips to protect your plants and trees from harmful leaf spot diseases this season. 

Managing Minneapolis Leaf Spot Diseases

Leave space between trees and plants

Crowding plants and trees too closely together affects the way they grow. Leave plenty of space between plants and trees to allow them to grow to their full potential. 

Scheduled Pruning

Regularly prune your trees in order to help them grow to their full height. Pruning stimulates growth in trees, and allows water, sunlight, and air to reach the entire canopy body. 

Rake Leaves in Fall

Rake the leaves in the fall season before the first snowfall. Raking up the leaves lowers the chance of fungi or bacteria re-infecting the tree in the new growth season. 

Plant a Variety of Trees

Planting a variety of species in your landscape helps protect your trees from disease and infection, but remember to leave enough space between them so they can grow. 

Maintain a Fertile Soil

Water the soil during the growing season so that the top 6-8" is moist. This is especially important during dry seasons, or extended periods of heat. 

Do Not Fertilize

Do not fertilize trees suffering from leaf spot diseases, unless a soil test indicates a nutrient deficiency needs to be corrected. 

Fungicides should only be used when necessary, and applied before the growing season. If defoliation has occurred several times in the last few years, the use of fungicides is likely necessary. Consult with a local landscaping authority or arborist in order to find out the best means of treating Minneapolis leaf spot diseases.