How to save sick weeping Lilly Pillies?

[Jakey1]

I would appreciate some advice please on how to save some very sick weeping lilly pillies. They were planted 6/7 years ago. We nearly lost the two sick ones during a heat wave in year 1, however they came back strong. We have had no major problems until about 4 months ago when I noticed the leaves had browned and curled. Photos show the two sick ones on the left. We are in Melbourne and have had some unseasonably warm weather and frosts. I have tried some extra watering but nothing intensive. There are some black markings on the underside of some leaves but not all - I didn't notice this initially when the leaves first started to brown/curl. They are definitely getting worse and I'm desperate to save them as they screen our back yard from our 2 storey neighbours. Thanks.

 

  

   

[EricL]

Hello @Jakey1 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about your weeping lilly pillies. 

I've seen this type of damage on lilly pilly leaves before, I suggest having a quick look at this discussion - How do I fix the browning leaves on my Waterhousia Lilly Pilly? by @Tinks. You've mentioned frost in your area, it could be delayed damage on the leaves due to the weather. Please have a good look at the discussion as there were suggestions regarding checking the roots and the possibility of sunburn and under watering.

If the black dots start to increase and begin travelling to the healthy leaves, I suggest spraying the tree with Yates 200ml Liquid Copper Fungicide. It is a broad-spectrum fungicide, that is suitable for use on fruit, vegetables and ornamentals, for controlling leaf curl, leaf spots, blights, downy mildew and many more fungal diseases. Please make sure to spray under the leaves for full coverage.

Here are some handy guides:

• How to diagnose and revive a sick lilly pilly by @Noelle 
   
• How to diagnose a sick plant by @Noelle 
   

Please make sure to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and mask when using the spray. Please make sure to follow all the safety guidelines printed at the back of the bottle.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Jakey1]

Thanks so much Eric - the guides were useful. There's no pest damage so I think it's under watering. We dug down and the roots were dry (and very shallow!). I've got the dripper running every morning now. 🤞