Phytophthora struck our garden
The genus Phytophthora contains a large number of species which cause root rots, foliage blights and bark cankers on a wide variety of plants. These fungus-like organisms are among the most damaging plant pathogens. They spread by releasing swimming spores (zoospores) into water and may be dispersed in water or in wind-blown rain. They may also produce resting spores that can be spread in soil.
In 2019, our grass had deep depressions. Digging down, we found long tunnels with dead roots. In our small garden were three huge lime trees with TPOs on and a large cherry tree. In April 2020, they came into leaf, by June one lime was bare and all the others were shedding their leaves. MBC tree department visited three times to inspect them but would not agree to us felling them even though we said we thought it was Phytophthora. Judy Taylor was the one who identified it.
Contacting and sending photos to RHS, they said it was Phytophthora although due to Covid they could not analyse the samples. MBC finally agreed that we could fell them. The photos above are of the trees in April and June 2020 and the inside of the cross sections of the trunks after felling.
We decided to buy and plant new trees this year: a Catalpa, an Indian Bean Tree and a Rowan from Mail Order Trees. These were not expensive, were 2metres high and are now doing great.
Sadly, we have lost some well-established shrubs and trees, but on the whole our garden has thrived thanks to all the wonderful plants I have bought at MHS plant sales and donations.
Not a great subject for a blog post but I thought you all might find it informative.