Question From: Ardmore, Pennsylvania, United States
Q: I have a home on the on Stillpond Creek in Worton, Kent County Md on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake bay. It is in the woods and has mountain laurel some of which has developed what I think may be a fungal infestation that looks like black spot in roses. I found a link from Connecticut and ID the leaf spot lesion. The area outside the living room is especially hard hit and many of the plants have died off The mountain laurel is old and has been there since before we built he house in 1984. The part in front of the living room began to sicken after my son’s wedding (2006) when we had the area mulched and it has gone downhill since and many of the plants have died off. I scraped that mulch off and it has not been mulched since except by falling leaves Areas that have not been mulched do not have the problem. The soil was tested and has a PH=4, low phosphorus, ok potassium but high magnesium and calcium. I also wonder if I need a fungicide and you would be able to recommend one and if additional tests are required and anything else I should do. I would be appreciative.
A: This tree has been in stress for many years. It may have many issues. I am not a trained tree doctor so I do not give advice on the treatment of trees, especially one that has been in decline for eight years. If it were my tree I would have an onsite inspection from a certified arborist. You can find one in your area at www.TCIA.com. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy
