What's Hot Localized large populations of Japanese beetle have been reported, especially in the lower part of the state. Complete protection of susceptible plants with insecticides is not likely. A diligent spraying schedule will give the best results possible. A number of New Castle County Leyland Cypress samples have shown symptoms of Seiridium canker. This common fungus is harmful only to specimens exposed to heat and drought.
Cankers can coalesce to M smaller shrubs within a year.
It may take a few years for a larger tree to be completely girdled. In young trees, the infection often starts on the trunk-there is no chemical treament so the tree should be removed at that time. Lesions on older trees tend to form in the branches, especially when the trees are crowded together. In these cases pruning out the affected branchbelow the canker may suffice. Prevention is the key, using cultural techniques such as watering and proper spacing of plants.