From the Certified Arborist

Spots on the leaves of Ligustrum trees

2/16/2010

Fungal Leaf Spot on a Ligustrum - Caused by the fungus Cercospora sp. This is a common disease of Ligustrum species. There are two Cercospora species that cause this leaf spot disease. A related species Pseudocercospora causes similar spots.
These fungi survive in adverse conditions in leaves in the canopy and in fallen leaves. The spores they produce are wind born or carried in splashing water to infect new leaves.
Have you noticed spots like these on your Ligustrum trees? We can fix this problem once and for all. Visit the Contact Us page and fill out the information, and our Arborist will contact you.

11 Comments

LINDA THERMOS

6/27/2010 12:58:48 am

I HAVE MANY LIGUSTRUMS, MOST HAVE A THICK LAYER OF SOME KIND OF DRY FUNGUS ON THE TRUNKS & BRANCHES. DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS & HOW TO TREAT IT?????
THANKS!

Matt Neal link

6/27/2010 02:33:44 am

Hello Linda,
There are many different types of fungus that make their homes on the branches and trunks of trees. Most of these fungi are harmlessly living in symbiosis with the tree. This is to say that they do not negatively effect the tree, but they receive the moisture and nutrients necessary to thrive from the water that runs down the bark. Without actually looking at your trees, it is not possible to make a proper determination of what type of fungus you are seeing. I would suggest calling an ISA Certified Arborist in your area to have them take a look at your trees. If your trees are beginning to decline, it is best to act fast in order to save them. Chances are very likely that the fungi that you are seeing are called Lichens, which are totally harmless.

Richard Adams

7/9/2012 01:15:12 pm

I have had planted tree form and wax leaf ligustrums in my yard and am having problems with cercospora leaf spot. How can I get control of this problem now? New leafs develop but soon become infected and fall off

Matt Neal link

7/11/2012 05:54:28 am

Hello Richard, thank you for your question. I'm sorry to hear about your tree problems. Without looking at your tree and being certain that cercospora is truly the culprit, I can't recommend any treatment. My suggestion to you is to have a properly trained ISA Certified Arborist come out and perform a diagnosis. If the problem that your tree is having is the leaf spot fungus, the Arborist will be able to either treat the fungus, or direct you in the proper treatment of it. You should always have a professional look at your tree before beginning any treatments. Sometimes the cercospora may not be the primary cause of your tree's decline, and if the primary cause goes untreated, your efforts will have been unnecessary.

Jorge Roman

2/1/2013 12:09:36 am

I have Fungal Leaf Spot on my Ligustrums & Indian Hawthornes
...how do I treat it?

Inez R. Vest

1/28/2014 11:33:08 pm

My Lagustrum tree is experiencing a bad case of brown spot as seen in image one of your examples....caused by the Cercospora sp ....Please contact me re: my tree's problem ....I live in Orlando, Fl 32808 zip, Rosemont area...Thank you, Inez Vest 1/29/2014

Amy

4/28/2014 11:02:46 pm

My Ligustrum tree is having several issues! First it had ball moss, Lichens, spider mites, and cercospora fungus. I have removed the ball moss by hand and the lichens with water/baking soda solution. I sprayed organic insecticide for the mites but they still seem present as well as the cercospora. What should I do now? Help!

brian kelemen

6/25/2016 03:01:39 pm

my ligustrum looks exactly like the picture at the top of this webpage. it started about 6 mos ago. i have sprayed it twice with triazicide. /i also fertilized it with tree 6" spikes from scots and some all around above ground fertilizer pellets.
the same problem is there and has not even slowed down. outside growth is dropping but still looks about 80%. Help!

Anna Cohen

11/14/2016 06:09:27 am

i have a 9foot hedge of ligustrum all around my yard. one looks like it is dying. the leves have a brownish rust color. Also I noticed a big clump of yellow looking mushrooms at the base ot the trunk.

Orlando Tree Service link

5/10/2023 01:52:12 pm

It's important to identify and treat fungal leaf spot on Ligustrum trees, caused by Cercospora sp. or Pseudocercospora, as it can cause damage and even death to the tree. These fungi survive in the leaves and can be easily spread to new leaves by wind or water. Seeking the help of an Arborist is a great way to ensure that your trees are properly cared for and any issues are addressed promptly. Don't hesitate to contact a professional for assistance.

tree service auburn al link

6/6/2023 01:54:42 am

Great blog you have here but I was wondering if you knew of any community forums that cover the same topics discussed here? I’d really like to be a part of online community where I can get advice from other experienced people that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Thanks a lot!

Spots on the leaves of Ligustrum trees

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