TREE & LAWN CARE BLOG
What Is Wrong With My Azaleas?
Lace bug damage on azaleas is a common issue caused by tiny insects known as lace bugs (family Tingidae). These pests are typically found on the undersides of azalea leaves, where they feed on the plant sap by piercing the leaf tissue with their mouthparts. The damage inflicted by lace bugs can affect the appearance and health of azalea plants. Here are some signs and symptoms of lace bug damage on azaleas:
Pale or Whitish Spots: Lace bugs extract chlorophyll from the leaves, resulting in small, pale or whitish spots on the upper leaf surface. These spots may appear as a stippled or mottled pattern.
Discolored Leaves: Infested leaves often exhibit yellowing or bronzing, primarily on the upper surface. The discoloration may spread, causing the leaves to turn brown or develop a scorched appearance.
Black Tar-Like Droppings: Lace bugs excrete dark, sticky droppings called frass. These droppings accumulate on the lower leaf surface, creating a characteristic black or dark brown speckled appearance.
Fine Webbing: In severe infestations, lace bugs may produce fine silk webbing on the undersides of leaves, which can be observed upon closer inspection.
Premature Leaf Drop: Intense lace bug feeding can weaken the azalea plants, leading to premature leaf drop. This can result in a thinning canopy and reduced overall vigor.
To confirm lace bug infestation, you can inspect the undersides of azalea leaves for the presence of the insects themselves. Lace bugs are small, about 1/8 inch long, and have a transparent, lace-like pattern on their wings, which gives them their name.
If you suspect lace bug damage on your azaleas, there are several control measures you can take. These include:
Regularly inspecting plants for lace bugs and their eggs.
Pruning and removing heavily infested leaves.
Encouraging natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewing larvae.
Applying insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, or botanical insecticides labeled for lace bugs, following the instructions carefully.
It's advisable to consult with a professional arborist for specific recommendations and guidance on managing lace bug infestations in your area.
3 Best Flowers To Plant In Full Sun In Georgia
Georgia heat can be brutal. Some flowers can tolerate the heat much better than others which is why it’s important to do your research before heading to the nursery!
Here are the top three flowers that can tolerate full sun in Georgia:
False Indigo
If you are looking for the perfect hue of purple in a bush form perennial, false indigo is your species! They thrive in the sun, bloom around June/July, are pollinators and deer resistant.
Sweet Goldenrod
A tall, fragrant yellow flower that forms in golden yellow clusters reaching between 2-4’ tall. This plant enjoys well drained soil and is a low maintenance perennial that will provide you with color for years to come!
Creeping Phlox
This evergreen perennial will carpet your garden with a layer of starry pink, purple or white flowers early spring and summer. A low growing plant, only reaching heights of 3'“-6” and thriving in full sun. These flowers attract butterflies.
If you are looking for guidance on how to enhance your landscape or gardens, give us a call using the link below to be connected with one of our plant health care technicians today!
Best Annual Flowers To Plant This Year
Are you looking for the perfect addition to your garden but just can’t commit to one that will return year after year? If this is the case, annuals are a great fit. They add a tremendous amount of color, without the price tag or the commitment of perennial flowers.
So what are the best annual flowers to plant in your garden this year?
Here is what made our list:
Begonias
Perfect for containers and filling garden gaps
Grows best in afternoon shade
Keep the soil moist but not drenched
Geraniums
Can be kept indoors through winter
Needs 4-6 hours of sunlight per day
Allow soil to dry before watering
Pansies
Excellent ground cover, containers or borders
Grows well with morning sun and afternoon shade
Water regularly
Marigolds
Known to keep away mosquitoes, cabbage worms and other pests
Thrive in full sunshine
Allow soil to dry between waterings
After planting, we always recommend applying a layer of organic mulch to your garden to retain moisture, prevent weeds and enhance the overall soil composition. Give us a call in our office to inquire about our organic mulch available for pickup or delivery!