What's wrong with my yews????

Discussion in 'Outdoor Gardening in the Pacific Northwest' started by Avidgardener, May 19, 2020.

  1. Avidgardener

    Avidgardener Active Member 10 Years

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    Having problems with a yew hedge. Most of them are healthy but a few have died and been replaced, and two others are dead/dying. Seeking advice from gardeners and garden shops - getting different suggestions: overwatered, underwatered, root rot, fungal attackā€¦..
    I doubt the problem is watering - most of the hedge is thriving. So it's got to be something else, but what? And how to get a precise diagnosis and prescribed treatment. Help!
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    Last edited by a moderator: May 20, 2020
  2. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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  3. Avidgardener

    Avidgardener Active Member 10 Years

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    If that is the case, and Phytophthora sp. is to blame, how do I confirm it and treat it? Or is there a general treatment that would cover more possibilities?
     
  4. Puddleton

    Puddleton Active Member 10 Years

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    Regardless of Phytophthora, Armilaaria or not, hygiene is your priority.

    Is Armillaria (honey fungus) in your area? (bunches of yellow mushrooms are usually present late summer into autumn (here in australia that is)

    Root diseases often occur from prolonged wet periods followed by drought. The wet encourages disease to flourish and the drought weakens the plant to succumb.

    1. Carefully remove the mulch and any soil that is above the root flare.

    2. Dispose of this material.

    3. UBC may have pathology services that provide pathogen testing.

    4. It looks like you're going to lose a couple more to whatever it is.

    5. Most soil-borne diseases are quite contagious so avoid walking along the hedge.

    6. Laying old carpet around the infected site while dealing with the diseased plants works well to keep your boots clean and reduces water movement

    7. Don't shred or compost the dead plant material. Don't put it in your recycling bin. Do burn it or landfill

    8 Clean your pruning tools with bleach or methylated spirit

    9 Clean your digging tools with bleach

    10 Improve the health of the surrounding hedge

    11. You need to increase the biological activity in the soil. Chicken manure, thoroughly composted material followed by soft wooded mulch will encourage beneficials.

    12. Water deeply but infrequently.

    13. There's no cure for "P" . Sanitation, Hygiene and prevention are the best approach.
     
    Last edited: May 20, 2020
  5. Avidgardener

    Avidgardener Active Member 10 Years

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    thanks, Jonathan. Will follow your advice.
     
  6. Puddleton

    Puddleton Active Member 10 Years

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    Pleasure.
    Good luck with it.
    NB I amended the disposal method.
     
  7. Puddleton

    Puddleton Active Member 10 Years

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    I'm sorry Avid
    One more suggestion is to spray the surrounding hedge and plants with Phosphonic acid 600g/l . We use it as a preventative application for Phytopthora
    It won't help the infected plants
    Here's some info
    Understanding the Phosphonate Products
     
  8. Avidgardener

    Avidgardener Active Member 10 Years

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    Thanks for the suggestion.
     

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