Michigan weather is unpredictable! This season, our state has seen unpredictable, drastic temperature changes, excessive rain and A LOT of humidity. Some plants enjoy the heavy moisture, such as young trees, ferns and grass. But for other varieties, too much moisture can cause damage and disease. Here are a few red flags. 

Disease

Most fungal diseases thrive in humid conditions. White fungus can be prominent, especially on plants that have dark foliage. Keep an eye out for a powdery mildew that develops on leaves. As the fungus progresses, you may notice discoloring of flowers and branches. This condition is generally mild and resolves on its own as the humidity subsides, but long stretches of moisture may cause a need for treatment. Try cutting back any dead branches or flowers to control the disease. The Ninebark species (see below) is especially prone to white fungus collecting on the tops of its leaves.

Damage

An excess of moisture can lead to unrepairable damage. For example, root rot occurs when insufficient drainage causes water to collect in the surrounding soil. As a result, roots are choked out and the plant will die. Make sure container plants and garden beds have sufficient drainage in place and all irrigation is timed accordingly.

Insects

Humidity can cause insect infestations in your garden. Open areas of water, even the smallest droplets on leaves and in pots are good breeding grounds for insects. Always do your research before applying any kind of pest repellant and make sure your plants are placed in an area where water will not pool.

Weed growth

Too much moisture can encourage weeds to pop up in your plant beds. A good weeding regimen will ensure your landscape has sufficient room to grow. Pulling the weeds not only helps the root system thrive, but also prevents invasive plants like crabgrass, dandelions, etc. from transferring seeds into the next growing season.