Tree / Leaf Rust

Symptoms 

All rust fungi produce powdery masses of spores, typically on leaf undersides that are yellow, orange, purple, black or brown. Some rust fungi produce pustules on upper leaf surfaces as well. Spores are easily spread on air or with splashing water.

What will happen to my landscape? Lesions may occur resulting in large areas of leaf distortion and defoliation may follow.

What can I do about rust? Periodically prune all rust-infected leaves and dispose. At the end of the growing season, carefully clean up and destroy all leaves that have dropped. Space plants far enough apart to allow for good air circulation. A combination of cultural and chemical control is often required. Most local hardware stores carry fungicides that will help to control Rust. Because these sprays can cause injury to some plants, read the label thoroughly before using and apply according to the directions. Depending on the severity of the damage, more than one fungicide application may be required for complete control. When combating Rust its best to think of it as treating allergies, something that will never go away, but having fewer symptoms each year by having regular treatments. Combating Rust can be a timely and unpleasant weekend task.

How can Natural Way help? Prevention is the key in controlling Rust. Here at Natural Way we have certified professionals who are used to preventing and controlling diseases like Rust. Our 6 Point Protection Program will provide several critically timed sprays to the landscape that will help control and prevent Rust, extend the life of the landscape and minimize overall damage.

Even though rust will not generally kill a plant by itself, the plant or tree will become more susceptible to other problems and its appearance will be unsightly. 

Whatever you decide, the longer your landscape is left untreated, the greater the chance the affected trees and shrubs will undergo unrecoverable damage. Your landscape represents a growing investment worth protecting.