Staying Ahead of Summer Fungal Issues with IPM

August heat and humidity can bring more than just discomfort—they also create ideal conditions for fungal diseases in your landscape. Our team uses Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies to keep your property healthy, balanced, and looking its best year-round.

What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

IPM is a sustainable approach to managing pests—like insects, fungi, and diseases—by combining biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools. Rather than automatically spraying chemicals, we focus on prevention, monitoring, and targeted solutions to reduce harm to plants, people, and the environment.

Why IPM Matters Right Now

In late summer, warm temperatures and high humidity create the perfect storm for fungal issues. Some of the most common problems we see this time of year include:

• Powdery Mildew – Appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves. It can stunt growth and diminish the health and appearance of your plants.
• Sooty Mold – A black, soot-like coating that develops on leaves after sap-sucking insects like aphids or scale secrete honeydew.
• Boxwood Blight – A serious fungal disease that causes leaf drop, black stem lesions, and eventual plant decline if left untreated.

These issues can spread quickly and affect the health and appearance of your garden beds, shrubs, and ornamental trees.

What You Can Do

Our trained horticulture and maintenance teams monitor your landscape closely for early signs of stress or disease. If you notice discolored foliage, leaf spots, or anything unusual, don’t hesitate to contact your account manager. The sooner we can assess and address a problem, the better the outcome.

In the meantime, a few helpful tips:

• Avoid overhead watering to reduce leaf moisture.
• Ensure good air circulation by spacing plants properly and pruning as needed.
• Keep plant beds clean—remove leaf litter and debris where fungi can thrive.

Partnering for Long-Term Plant Health

IPM is all about balance and prevention.  By combining expert monitoring with environmentally responsible practices, we help your landscape thrive—even in the dog days of summer.

If you have any questions or concerns about your property, we’re just a call or email away.