I am located in California and I have noticed that my privet trees all have the same symptom. The tops of the trees new growth branches are limping over and they have black looking burn marks spots on them. The marks are mainly on the top leaves (not the whole plant) and almost look like splattered liquid. the only thing i am familiar with like this are black spots on roses but non of my rose bushes have this and it has not rained for months. My Gardener seems to think they may have been sprayed with a chemical to prevent overall growth by a neighbor but i'm not sure. Can you help me find what may have caused this and how to save them. Any help is appreciated. Backround of plants •Name, age and/or size of plant *Ligustrum privet 2 year 8-10 Feet tall •When the problem was first noted *noted few days ago •What part of the plant is affected? *Broad Leaves •Have symptoms progressed or changed? *Seems to be getting worse as leaves are curling and stems are dropping over If it was present before it was not as great or noticable •Growing conditions (full sun, part shade, shade, windy, salt spray, etc.) *Plants are full sun and 14 plants in a row 3 feet apart for future hedges •Primary soil type (clay, loam, sandy) *Clay type soil •Chemical applications (pesticides & fertilizers) *Mix of (superthrive vitamins) and (miracle grow) only during growing season once a month each at separate times, but haven't used either in 30 days. Durring initial transplant in the ground I innoculated them with Mycorrhizal Fungi a year and a half ago. •Were plants originally burlapped or container grown? *came from nursery in pots •Has there been recent construction and/or excavation? * no construction Today I cut a woody branch and did not see any brown rings or streaking under the skin which i read is a symptom of Verticillium wilt. is it possible this is somthing else like ANTHRACNOSE. affraid to treat without know what is it for fear it will add more stress. Most of the leaves with these marks have falled off now in the past few days and the the remaining new growth leaves are curled along with new growth branches but the inner old growth leaves still look fine.
