Key Features
- Discolored or black foliage
- Occurs low on the tree
- Occasionally a urine smell
Symptoms
Foliar burn or blackening can result when a dog (or other animal, including human) urinates on a tree or shrub. Salt and ammonia in the urine causes a chemical burn to certain trees, particularly white-cedar, red-cedar, yew, and boxwood. Dogs repeat their visits to certain trees and shrubs, increasing the salt level and eventually killing the branch or branches.
Biology
All stages of the plant are susceptible to all stages of dogs.
Management Recommendations
As soon as possible, rinse the plant with water and soak the surrounding ground. Protect the plant with repellents or erect barriers that prevent the animal from causing damage.
Effective Pesticides
Pesticides are neither available nor recommended for managing this condition.
