Why is my wax myrtle browning from the bottom?

Question

After a long drought period in the summer my myrtle tree appears to be going brown and shedding leaves from the bottom.
The leaves at the top are fine and appear strong but the lower branches appear to be dying.
Can I trim the lower branches to remove any of the potential disease?

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Answer 1

Though pruning won't remove the disease, it will remove the reproductive organs of the disease. This will give you a chance to treat it, while it is weakened. A fungicide should take care of the issue. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm

Make sure that those containers have a way to let out all extra water. Overwatering will be the cause of most diseases like this. They will want to dry out down to about 3 or 4 inches, thoroughly, before it gets watered again.

If there are no drainage holes, then it will be best to keep it where it will not get rained in. That way, you can control the amount of water that it receives.

This article will help you with the care of the shrub: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/wax-myrtle/wax-myrtle-care.htm