Fineline Buckthorn Fungus Care

Question

I have two fineline Buckthorn plants that are well established. This year, they are majorly affected by rust fungus and there is way too much to remove all infected leaves. Can I cut back the whole plant and will it survive if I do it at this point in the season? (I live in southern Wisconsin–It is a zone 5 here)

Answer 1

Treatment will need to be done with a fungicide. Cutting infected growth will help speed things up, but be sure not to cut more than 1/3 of the shrub at once. Also, it is important that you do this during dormancy, or when you notice that it is not actively growing.

Here is are some articles that will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/learn-about-plant-rust-disease-and-rust-treatment.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm

https://www.uaex.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/plant-week/buckthorn-fine-line-2-7-14.aspx