Phase 1: Identifying Common Garden Pests

Pests generally fall into two categories: those that pierce and suck the life out of foliage, and those that chew and consume the plant material itself.

• Aphids (The Sapsuckers): These tiny, pear-shaped insects cluster on new growth and the undersides of leaves. They secrete "honeydew," a sticky substance that can lead to black sooty mold. Look for curling, yellowing leaves as a primary symptom.
• Spider Mites: Almost invisible to the naked eye, these pests thrive in hot, dry conditions. If you notice fine webbing between stems or a "stippled" (bronzed or dusty) appearance on leaves, you likely have an infestation.
• Scale Insects: These appear as small, immobile bumps on branches or leaf veins, often resembling shells or waxy growths. They suck plant juices and can cause significant dieback if left untreated.
• Japanese Beetles: These metallic-green chewers can skeletonize the leaves of roses, birches, and lindens in a matter of days. Look for leaves that have been eaten down to the veins.
• Borers: Perhaps the most dangerous, borers tunnel into the wood of trees. Keep an eye out for small "D-shaped" exit holes in the bark or "frass" (sawdust-like excrement) at the base of the trunk.

Phase 2: Recognizing Fungal and Bacterial Diseases

Diseases often appear when environmental conditions—like excessive moisture or poor airflow—favor pathogens over the plant.

1. Powdery Mildew: This looks exactly like a dusting of white flour on leaves and stems. While rarely fatal, it saps the plant's energy and is common in humid, stagnant air.
2. Leaf Spot (Fungal & Bacterial): Characterized by brown or black spots often surrounded by a yellow "halo." If the spots have concentric rings, it is likely fungal; if they appear water-soaked, it may be bacterial.
3. Root Rot (Phytophthora): Often the result of poor drainage or overwatering. Symptoms include a general wilting of the plant despite the soil being wet, along with a darkening or softening of the lower stem near the soil line.
4. Fire Blight: Particularly common in the rose family (apples, pears, hawthorns), this bacterial disease makes branches look scorched or blackened, as if they have been touched by fire. The tips often curl into a "shepherd’s crook" shape.
5. Cedar-Apple Rust: This unique fungus requires two hosts. It appears as bright orange, gelatinous galls on cedars and orange-yellow spots on the leaves of apple or crabapple trees.

Phase 3: The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Approach

At Roger Reynolds, we don't believe in "spraying first." We recommend a tiered approach to treatment that protects the environment and your beneficial insects.

• Cultural Control: The best defense is a strong offense. Ensure your plants have the right soil, light, and water. A stressed plant emits chemical signals that actually attract pests.
• Mechanical Intervention: Sometimes the simplest solution is the best. Knocking aphids off with a strong stream of water or hand-picking beetles into a jar of soapy water can manage small outbreaks effectively.
• Biological Warfare: Encourage natural predators. Ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory mites are your best allies. Avoid broad-spectrum pesticides that kill these "good guys."
• Targeted Organic Treatments: If a spray is necessary, we recommend starting with horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps. These work by suffocating the pests rather than poisoning them, making them safer for the surrounding ecosystem.
• Sanitation: This is the most overlooked step. Always rake up and dispose of diseased leaves in the fall. Never compost diseased material, as most home compost piles do not get hot enough to kill the pathogens.

Phase 4: Proper Diagnostic Techniques

Not sure what you’re looking at? Follow these professional steps to get a clear ID:

• Take High-Quality Photos: Capture the underside of the leaf, the transition between healthy and sick tissue, and the overall shape of the plant.
• Check the "Drip Line": Sometimes the problem isn't on the leaves but at the roots. Check for girdling roots or physical damage to the trunk.
• Consult the Experts: If you’re stumped, we are here to help. We encourage our customers to bring a sample of the affected foliage in a sealed plastic bag to the nursery. Our plant health specialists will help you identify the culprit and provide a tailored recovery plan.

Expert Support for Your Landscape

Your landscape is a living investment, and we are committed to helping you protect it. By combining our high-quality cultivated stock with your proactive monitoring, we can ensure your garden remains a healthy, thriving sanctuary. Visit Roger Reynolds Nursery for the tools, treatments, and honest guidance you need to tackle any garden challenge.