![]() The goal is to prevent and/or eradicate the pathogen early in the season to prevent unsightly twig dieback and plant damage. Next spring when the environmental conditions are favorable for leaf blight, I will apply 1-2 sprays 10- 14 days apart and then monitor the progress of the disease. Once I noted the signs of leaf blight, I took immediate action with copper fungicidal soap a product that is listed for Organic Gardening by the Organic Materials Review Institute (O.M.R.I). My actual application was curative since I did not realize the shrubs I recently purchased were affected until I saw the first signs of the disease two weeks after they were planted. Use caution when mowing or trimming around the plant to prevent pathogens from entering through wounds in the needles and bark.Use a mulch cover around the shrubs to prevent the spores splashing from the soil onto the lower branches.I personally water all my shrubs, trees, and flowers with a directed drench to the root zone using a garden hose, soaker hose or bucket. ![]() Hand-watering newly planted trees is preferable. Avoid overhead watering with sprinklers that leaves moisture for further disease development.Avoid pruning during wet weather as this is the time when the fungus is most actively producing and spreading.Discard the trimmings and any needles that may have fallen to the ground.I specifically used Sani-DateĀ® Ready-To- Use an activated form of hydrogen peroxide that is listed by the Organic Materials Review InstituteĀ® (O.R.M.I.) You may want to sanitize the pruning blade with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide between cuttings to prevent further spread of the fungus by dipping or spraying the pruning shear blade with either one of the solutions. Since the existing infected foliage will be a source of new inoculum, remove infected foliage by using hand-held pruners.Photo by First Step Cultural Practices to Reduce Infection:
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