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Lilac tree disease?

ellie_smithellie_smith Posts: 2
in Problem solving
Hi all,

Are the leaves on my lilac tree showing disease please? I’m unsure if they’re just turning for autumn or it’s blight. I’ve inherited it this year, and the bark looks like it’s had it before from the lesions. I’ve already cut it back 1/3 this spring just gone to reduce it in height so am worried about cutting all of the affected stems off in case I do some damage. 

Thanks,
Ellie

Posts

  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @ellie_smith Lilac can suffer from blight but it is difficult to see from your photos .Many shrubs are stressed at present, mainly due to weather, resulting in various leave conditions. Sometimes damage due to pruning can also cause disease.

    I would ensure that all the leaves are cleared away as they fall this autumn. If you continue to have this problem next year you may have to decide if it is worth keeping.
    Lilac should only be pruned directly after flowering as new flower buds are formed soon afterwards. Any cutting back now will result less or no flowers next spring.
    Welcome!
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • ellie_smithellie_smith Posts: 2
    Thank you, I will do that. That’s really helpful
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