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Care for Lilac Leaves Turning Yellow
Care for Lilac Leaves Turning Yellow. If your lilac leaves are yellowing, it could be caused by several factors. Chemical weed killers are a common cause of yellowing leaves. Fungal or bacterial infections may also be responsible. Some of these problems are incurable, and it is best to dig up the plant and burn it before the infection spreads....
If your lilac leaves are yellowing, it could be caused by several factors. Chemical weed killers are a common cause of yellowing leaves. Fungal or bacterial infections may also be responsible. Some of these problems are incurable, and it is best to dig up the plant and burn it before the infection spreads. Other problems can be treated with a little pruning or prevented with a little planning.
Fungal Infection
Your yellowing problem may be caused by a fungal infection. The fungal infection Verticillium Wilt causes leaves to lose their glossy texture, turn pale and wilt, according to John L. Fiala's "Lilacs: The Genus Syringa." If this is the case, no other symptoms will appear before wilting begins. If you cut into the bark, you can see if an infection is present. If you find one, there is little that can be done. The plant will likely die, and the infection is contagious, so it could kill off all your lilac bushes and other plants as well. To prevent this, dig up the entire plant and burn it. Do not replant anything in that soil, as Verticillium wilt is a soil-born virus.
Chemical Weed Killers
A more common cause of leaf yellowing in lilacs is exposure to harmful chemicals. Some weed killers are harmless for the first couple of years, but could build up in the soil and begin to harm your plants. Your leaves will become smaller and more curled, and grow yellow or white. Once your plant is affected by weed killers, there is no cure. It will languish and die. It is best to learn from the tragedy by avoiding weed killers, if possible. If you must use them, follow product instructions carefully. Consult local arboretum or park supervisors for advice on what weed killers are safe in your area.
Other Causes
Although highly uncommon, other bacterial diseases may cause your lilac's leaves to yellow. Bacterial Blight and Phythophthora Blight generally cause a leaf to turn brown or black, but in the early stages it may only appear discolored. Both of these blights can be treated with careful pruning. Trim the affected stems and branches to prevent the blight from spreading.
