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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
Salvador began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March 2017.
Noé began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in July of 2020.
David began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March of 2019.
Fredi began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March of 2003.
Miguel began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in June 2014.
Nelson began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March 2019.
Arturo began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in September of 2011.
Antonio began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March 2001.
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 began working with Damascus Enterprises in April 2021.
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.
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.