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Could anyone assist me? We have a front garden hedge that is acting as the front fence. For the past 12+ years it has been very healthy. About 3 weeks ago noticed the leaves were changing colour on the street side and the back of the hedge very thin.
I am posting images of the front and back and close ups. There were major railway works across the road.
if anyone could suggest anything to help save my hedge would be appreciated.
Hello @JohnBoling
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about your hedge.
I suggest having a quick look at these guides - How to diagnose a sick plant by @Noelle and How to diagnose and revive a sick lilly pilly by @Noelle. Looking at your fourth photo, it suspiciously appears to be myrtle rust. The brown spots and rusty appearance of the leaves is often a symptom of this fungal infection.
Let me call on our experienced members @Noelle and @mich1972 for their opinion.
However, we can't discount that there might be other external factors at play here such as lack of nutrients in the soil, poor watering habits and drifting chemical spray. For the treatment of myrtle rust, I suggest using Yates 150g Mancozeb Plus Garden Fungicide And Miticide to manage the fungal infection.
Please remember to wear personal protection such as appropriate clothing, gloves, goggles and a chemically rated mask when using the chemical.
If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.
Eric
Thank you Eric for your prompt reply. Given that the soil condition and watering habits have not changed since over 12 years, and we found an image taken of the back of the hedge on 13 June 2024 (photographing the railway works across the road), that show healthy full hedge.
Based on your knowledge, could chemical spray drift occur in suburbia generally, or could it be from the railway construction across the road, or construction trucks parked next to the hedge (2m away)? And how long would it take for a drifting chemical spray to impact on the hedge? Thank you for your reply.
Thank you Eric for your continued interest and assistance with your opinion.
Would you still think it worthwhile to try the treatment for myrtle rust, that you suggested in your first post?
Kind regards…John
BTW what a brilliant community service !
Hi again Eric, I just remembered that there is about a metre of shiny leaf bush (see image) imbedded in the hedge, which is quite healthy..so can chemical drift affect different species more that others?
Hi @JohnBoling
I've called out to my plant guru @Noelle to double check the rust spots on your leaves, and if she concurs with my assessment, then you can use the Yates 150g Mancozeb Plus Garden Fungicide And Miticide. In the meantime, let's wait for confirmation.
If you need further assistance, please let me know.
Eric
