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How to save front hedge?

Could anyone assist me? We have a front garden hedge that is acting as the front fence. For the past 12+ years it has been very healthy. About 3 weeks ago noticed the leaves were changing colour on the street side and the back of the hedge very thin.

I am posting images of the front and back and close ups. There were major railway works across the road.
if anyone could suggest anything to help save my hedge would be appreciated.

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Comments

EricL

Hello @JohnBoling

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about your hedge.

I suggest having a quick look at these guides - How to diagnose a sick plant by @Noelle and How to diagnose and revive a sick lilly pilly by @Noelle. Looking at your fourth photo, it suspiciously appears to be myrtle rust. The brown spots and rusty appearance of the leaves is often a symptom of this fungal infection.

Let me call on our experienced members @Noelle and @mich1972 for their opinion.

However, we can't discount that there might be other external factors at play here such as lack of nutrients in the soil, poor watering habits and drifting chemical spray. For the treatment of myrtle rust, I suggest using Yates 150g Mancozeb Plus Garden Fungicide And Miticide to manage the fungal infection.

Please remember to wear personal protection such as appropriate clothing, gloves, goggles and a chemically rated mask when using the chemical.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

JohnBoling

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/39359#Comment_39359

Thank you Eric for your prompt reply. Given that the soil condition and watering habits have not changed since over 12 years, and we found an image taken of the back of the hedge on 13 June 2024 (photographing the railway works across the road), that show healthy full hedge.

Based on your knowledge, could chemical spray drift occur in suburbia generally, or could it be from the railway construction across the road, or construction trucks parked next to the hedge (2m away)? And how long would it take for a drifting chemical spray to impact on the hedge? Thank you for your reply.

JohnBoling

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/81858#Comment_81858

Thank you Eric for your continued interest and assistance with your opinion.

Would you still think it worthwhile to try the treatment for myrtle rust, that you suggested in your first post?

Kind regards…John

BTW what a brilliant community service !

Hi again Eric, I just remembered that there is about a metre of shiny leaf bush (see image) imbedded in the hedge, which is quite healthy..so can chemical drift affect different species more that others?

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/105675#Comment_105675

Hi @JohnBoling

I've called out to my plant guru @Noelle to double check the rust spots on your leaves, and if she concurs with my assessment, then you can use the Yates 150g Mancozeb Plus Garden Fungicide And Miticide. In the meantime, let's wait for confirmation.

If you need further assistance, please let me know.

Eric

JohnBoling

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/119989#Comment_119989

Thank you Eric..I’ll wait until I hear back from your other guru!

Noelle

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/119989#Comment_119989

Hi @JohnBoling and @EricL

It is possible it is contamination from the railway works over the road but I doubt it is chemical spray drift - far more likely to be from the dust and/or water used onsite. I would doubt the construction would be using herbicides that could/would drift to affect your hedge. It would be interesting to know if other gardens in your stretch opposite the works have been affected or if it is just your hedge?

I'm inclined to agree with Eric's first theory that it is a fungal disease of some sort - certainly give the recommended fungicide a go and see what happens. You have nothing to lose at this stage.

The mirror bush isn't a great indicator plant - it's as tough as nails and its glossy leaves mean dust or other contamination rolls of readily.

JohnBoling

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/128726#Comment_128726

Thank you Noelle, for your detailed response. The plants on nearby properties are not affected, however, the work trucks only parked in front of our property, and the neighbour next door is still facing council trees along the train line that hides the train line, whereas the trees in front of our property were cleared out….disaster ! I will try to apply the fungal treatment as you suggested. Have a lovely weekend.!

Kind regards,..John

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