Are Your Landscape Roses Under Attack?

What MITE It Be?

During the hot, dry days of summer your rose bushes can become host to a devastating tiny critter called the Two-spotted spider mite.

When these conditions are prevalent the mite is very active feeding and reproducing on your bushes.

Extreme Close Up of Spider Mites On Rose Leaf

 

What to look for

At the start of an infestation the mite likes to feed on the underside of the leaves. Usually starting at the bottom of the plant and spreading toward the top. If you look at the underside of the leaf with a hand lens, you’ll see a sandy color insect moving around.

Rose Leaf that Shows Spider Mites

 

Signs and Symptoms

Leaves will become stippled and start to bronze. This is a result of the juices being sucked out of the leaves during feeding. Eventually the leaves will die and fall off. During heavy infestation the mites will encapsulate leaves and buds in webbing. Not only does this allow for them to move easier but your roses can’t bloom!

Rose Wrapped Up In Spider Mite Web Many Mites Visable

 

Treatment

In our spray mixes we have a plant protectant to control mite populations and egg production.  To fix any defoliation issues with the bush we will cut them back lower and fertilize them to flush new, healthy growth.

 

Can You SPOT It?

Black Spot disease is another common condition during summer months where typical weather conditions like rain, heat and humidity will bring this annoying fungus out of nowhere to pester your roses.  Black Spot is a persistent and damaging disease as long as conditions persist.

 

What to look for

As the name suggests the telltale sign that your bush has Black Spot is well…. The black spots.

Close Up of Rose Leaf Effected By Black Spot

This will be found on the leaves usually starting on the interior where airflow is poorer or on clusters of leaves that don’t dry out as easily.  Once the fungus has infected a leaf it can potentially spread to the entire bush via spores.

Signs and Symptoms

Close Up Of Rose Leaf Effected By Black Spot

This is one of the easiest diseases to identify as the name is very descriptive. First, black spots will appear on healthy green leaf tissue. After a spot appears the infected leaf will fade to yellow and brown. Once enough damage has been done to the leaf it will drop off the bush.

 

Treatment

Regular cleaning of your rose bush is required. To get rid of any existing fungal colonies or spore our plant protectants are used every 10 days. In cases of infections we may apply every three days.

If a bush loses its leaves we cut back the canes and apply fertilizer to encourage new growth.

August 29, 2019
Salvador G.

Salvador G.

Mowing Crew Member

Salvador began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March 2017.

Noe G.

Noé G.

Landscape Crew Member

Noé began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in July of 2020.

David R.

David R.

Landscape Crew Member

David began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March of 2019.

Fredi O.

Fredi O.

Landscape & Mowing Crew Member

Fredi began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March of 2003.

Miguel B.

Miguel B.

Mowing Crew Leader

Miguel began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in June 2014.

Nelson H.

Nelson H.

Landscape Crew Leader

Nelson began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March 2019.

Arturo D.

Arturo D.

Landscape Crew Leader

Arturo began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in September of 2011.

Antonio S.

Antonio S.

Landscape Crew Leader

Antonio began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March 2001.

Mark Q.

Mark Q.

Pond Manager

Mark began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in September 2010. Mark holds the following certifications; Aquascape Academy Certified, Maryland Certified Pesticide Applicator, and Maryland Certified Fertilizer Applicator.

Shawnee T.

Shawnee T.

Office Assistant and Customer Care

Shawnee began working with Damascus Enterprises in April 2021.

Mike B.

Mike B.

Landscape Designer, Plant & Lawn Care Specialist

Mike is a 3rd generation landscape professional and has worked in the field of horticulture for over 20 years. He has an AAS degree in landscape technology from Montgomery College. Mike is a Certified Professional Horticulturist through the Maryland Department of Agriculture and Landscape Industry Certified in softscape, and hardscape installation certified through PLANET. Mike began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in February 2014. 

Scott Brown

Scott Brown

President / Owner

Damascus Enterprises, Inc. was established by Scott in 1998 as strictly a landscape company. Under his leadership and through continued training the business has grown and expanded to now offer a full array of services that include pond and waterfall installation and maintenance, lawn care, landscape design, custom stonework, and outdoor lighting.Scott is an Aquascape Certified Contractor, Vista Certified Design & Installation Specialist and regularly attends industry education and networking events like Pondemonium and Pondeminium. He has previously been recognized as a top young entrepreneur by Maryland’s Governor and the Small Business Association. He currently serves on the board of Montgomery County Farm Bureau and is Co-chair of the entertainment committee of the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair and is involved in the Damascus community through various activities. Scott and his wife Melody live in Damascus with their two children.