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Care of established Strawberry Tree (Arbutus x Andrachnoides)
I have an established Strawberry Tree (Arbutus x Andrachnoides) in my front garden (height approx 14ft) which is a beauty. However, I've noticed that the majority of the leaves are affected by leaf spot (not noticed before so widespread but unsure whether it's just a tired post-winter look).
I've been doing some Googling but would really appreciate a bit of real-life advice from anyone here who could help with the following:
It's well-sited with protection from the North and East winds but does have a large pine tree of some sort to the North West of it (over the fence in a neighbours garden) so maybe it's just lacking in nutrients a bit which is making it more susceptible to disease?
I've been doing some Googling but would really appreciate a bit of real-life advice from anyone here who could help with the following:
- Is it worth having a crack with an anti-fungicide of some sort (RHS site has some good recommendations)?
- Any tips for the care of an established tree such as this? I could try layering a good mulch down, although it's overhanging the drive so I'm a bit limited for groundspace beneath it (it's pretty much just on our border, so I could ask the neighbours if I can mulch the other side of the fence).
It's well-sited with protection from the North and East winds but does have a large pine tree of some sort to the North West of it (over the fence in a neighbours garden) so maybe it's just lacking in nutrients a bit which is making it more susceptible to disease?
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I think you're right in saying that your tree needs a tonic to build up some resistance.
I've seen a few dead Arbutus (and other shrubs) locally over the last few years and I'd guess the main reason is lack of water.
Mulching as you suggest would be a great start.
Consider using seaweed extract too. It's the best plant tonic out there (using as a foliar spray is a good way of using it). Or drench the soil before mulching.
It contains some nitrogen, but it's mostly micro-nutrients and minerals vital for plant life that may not be available in sufficient quantities in your soil.
Good luck!
Billericay - Essex
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
I'll do the mulch and the foliar spray too, that's a good shout. Thank you