"TQuinn" wrote in message
...
Hi, I'm in Zone 6b/7, and every year after the heavy rain during the
Summer, the
Cherry tree in my yard gets leaf spot. Needless to say I want to do
something
about it, is there something I can treat my lawn with to fight the fungus
that's
causing the spots? I know it won't help this year, but I'd like to plan
for
next year.

Also, could powdery mildew on the euonymus hedges underneath the tree be
related
to the leaf spot? The leaves fall on the hedges and the surrounding lawn
constantly.

I'd like recommendations on what works best to prevent/clear up fungus, I
also
need to know what would be safe for my pets that like to graze in the
lawn.

Thanks!

Cherries and most members of the Prunus genus are prone to a whole host of
insect and disease problems, including a great many fungal problems. Leaf
spot or shothole fungus is extremely common and there are no cherries that
are particularly resistant. Sanitation is the primary means of control as
the spores overwinter on fallen leaves. Rake up and destroy ALL the leaves
from this tree. For non-commercial growers, repeated chemical treatments are
not typically advised, as the problem is generally not serious enough to
cause defoliation or damage to the fruit. If you feel you must spray, I'd
recommend a dormant season spray of horticultural oil to smother any
remaining spores on the tree itself and this can be followed by a registered
fungicide at petal drop and at periodic intervals during the season if
monitoring warrants. The spores tend to proliferate with damp weather in the
spring and with summer humidity, with the largest development occuring when
temperatures are in the 60-68F range.

You don't need to spray the lawn and it's certainly not advised if you have
pets or small children around. Powdery mildew on the euonymus is not related
to the leaf spot and is typically a late season disease associated with dry
soil and humidity and lack of air circulation. Clean the leaves out of the
hedge as they fall, water the root zone deeply when you do water and thin to
improve air circulation. Spraying down the hedge with a strong stream of
water can actually wash off a good portion of the mycelia, as this fungus is
primarily topical and can be removed if caught early by washing or even
wiping the foliage. Powdery mildew on woody plants is usually only cosmetic
in nature.

pam - gardengal