Knowledgebase

Sumac issues #284650

Asked October 14, 2015, 9:19 AM EDT

We have two tiger eye sumacs, planted in the spring before they leafed out. They thrived all summer long, but in recent weeks have developed discolored and wilting leaves. They are in sandy loam in Anne Arundel County, and get a good six hours of sun daily. We water with an irrigation system, so it is likely that the foliage gets wet (in case this is an issue). I'm worried a little about verticulum wilt, but couldn't find good images of the disease on rhus. Thoughts?

Anne Arundel County Maryland

Expert Response

We cannot make a definitive diagnosis from the information that you have sent, but we would suggest that you remove the affected plant material.  Send it off to the dump.    Water deeply once a week if there is not an inch of rain when the ground is not frozen.  You do not say how frequently you water or how much.  Sumacs generally grow in dry areas and you may be watering too frequently and too shallowly.  This is not an appropriate time of year to be using a fungicide.  Modify your watering regime and your sumacs will probably be just fine next spring.  If there is a problem in the spring, send photos.  vw

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