Privet loses leaves - causes of leaf degeneration

Content

• Privet loses leaves - causes of leaf degeneration
• Why does the privet lose its leaves?
• Leaf shedding in autumn and winter is normal
• The privet loses massive leaves in the summer
• Pest infestation or fungi
• Tips

In autumn, the privet always loses its leaves

Privet loses leaves - causes of leaf degeneration

Privet is not so popular because it forms opaque hedges with its many small leaves. If the bush loses masses of leaves, it is a cause for concern for most gardeners. The concern is only justified if the bush drops many leaves in the summer.

Why does the privet lose its leaves?

Why a privet loses its leaves depends on the season. In autumn and winter a massive leaf drop is completely normal.

Things are different in the summer. If the shrub then drops many leaves, it is almost always due to care mistakes, but sometimes also to pests.

Leaf shedding in autumn and winter is normal

Privet is not an evergreen plant, although it is often claimed. There are some varieties like Atrovirens that keep their foliage for a long time, but by spring all leaves have fallen off.

If the privet loses its leaves in winter, that is a natural process. The privet expands again in the spring and produces many new leaves.

The privet loses massive leaves in the summer

If the privet loses a lot of leaves in the summer, you should worry about the care. Even if the shrub is very easy to maintain - it still needs some attention. Possible causes of leaf waste in summer are:

Privet never allowed to dry out completely, but tolerates waterlogging even less. In dry times, water more often once. To prevent waterlogging, it helps to create a drainage system in the soil.

You should be careful with fertilizing. Privet likes neither too few nor too many nutrients.

Pest infestation or fungi

If the leaves roll together and then fall off, the privet leaf louse may be responsible. If there are stains on the foliage, it is probably an infestation with leafspot fungus.

Treatment is only necessary if the respective infestation is very massive. With lighter diseases, the privet is usually ready alone.

Tips

Fallen leaves with fungal or pest infestation should be collected and disposed of with household waste. Under no circumstances may it be used on the compost or as mulching material. This would only favor propagation in the garden.