- 1). Care for the tree properly to reduce incidences of fungal disease. Fertilize in early spring with a cup of fertilizer scattered around the base of the tree in the first year, two cups in years two and three and then increase by a cup in each subsequent year until the plant is six years old.
- 2). Water every 10 days to two weeks during the hot growing season. Moisten the soil to a depth of 12 inches each time. The trees are most susceptible to disease when they are stressed due to a dearth or excess of water. Allow the soil to dry between watering periods. Do not allow the soil to splash up on the tree because it may contain fungal spores. Water in the morning to reduce the amount of time the stem will be wet.
- 3). Rake up any dropped leaves and prune off diseased material. The fungal spores can jump to uninfected parts or even other plants. Proper hygienic practices can help prevent this.
- 4). Spray a copper fungicide on the leaves, bark and stems of plants with fungal diseases of the foliage, wood or fruit. Mix the fungicide according to the directions for the size of tree you will be treating. Use a hose-end sprayer to apply the product. Treat as soon as leaves are 1/4 to 1/2 open and apply two times every two weeks. Use a ladder to help you reach the higher areas.
- 5). Apply an insecticidal soap spray to control aphids. Use it once per week as long as the pests persist. The sooty mildew will disappear once the aphids are gone.
- 6). Use a systemic fungicide as a soil drench. Apply it in April and soak the area around the base of the trunk. This can help prevent root rots. Follow the directions for application and amount on the systemic product of your choice.
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