S. pythiophila infection often follows winter injury, but usually doesn't kill whole plants. Drought, freezing, dog urine, and transplant shock can cause similar dieback symptoms. P. juniperovora , K. juniperi , and S. pythiophila overwinter in killed twigs and bark on the shrub or on the ground. Fruiting bodies of the fungi develop in the spring and, during wet weather, release many spores capable of causing new infections. P. juniperovora attacks young succulent shoot tips and may also enter the plant through wounds.
Infections can occur throughout the summer.
The fungus may enter the plant through wounds, as well. If wet weather prevails, these fungi will spread throughout the shrub in the course of a few years or less. S. pythiophila attacks shoots weakened by winter injury. Infected twigs and branches should be pruned about two inches into live wood and destroyed. Plants should be spaced so as to provide good ventilation.