Q.Lilac Tree Shedding Its Bark and the Leaves Are Curled
Why is our Lilac tree shedding its bark and the leaves are curled? It’s also growing long limbs straight up with buds at the end of them, unlike the rest of the tree.
Heather
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Answered on September 17, 2011
It sounds like you may have a case of witches' broom. It is caused by a bacteria. It is called witches' broom because it causes those strange growths with foliage at the end which look a little like brooms.
Unfortunately, there is no sure fire cure for lilac witches' broom. Your best bet is to cut out the "brooms" and hope the rest of the plant can recover from it. It is often fatal though to the plant.
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