What is Wrong with my Japanese Lilac Trees? - Ask Extension
My Japanese Lilac trees seem to be suffering from some ailment. This is their 4th summer planted in my yard. We did water them during the dry times ov...
Knowledgebase
What is Wrong with my Japanese Lilac Trees? #418010
Asked July 30, 2017, 10:26 PM EDT
My Japanese Lilac trees seem to be suffering from some ailment. This is their 4th summer planted in my yard. We did water them during the dry times over the past winters. Any thoughts?
Thanks!
Jeanne Lounsbury
Thanks!
Jeanne Lounsbury
Boulder County Colorado
Expert Response
It appears from the pictures that you have a couple of problems. The larva of an insect (possibly the great ash sphinx) is chewing the leaves. This rarely causes permanent damage to the tree. More importantly, you may have a bacterial blight (Pseudomona syringae pv. syringae). This is possibly what is causing the leaves to die. I suggest that you contact a certified arborist to evaluate your trees.
I hope this helps,
Jana
