Identification

• Powdery mildew is a foliage disease commonly found in landscape trees. Certain trees and plants are more susceptible to powdery mildew, such as crabapple, linden, lilac and rose. This disease is spread by spores, which are carried on the wind to infect trees and plants in close proximity.
  
  

Symptoms

• Powdery mildew is characterized by a white fungal growth that has a powdery texture on leaves, twigs, fruit and flowers. This mildew is easily removed from affected trees with your fingers, but quickly returns. Powdery mildew is especially common in humid climates.
  
  

Control

• Since powdery mildew is primarily a cosmetic disease, chemical controls are seldom used. However, trees with severe infection may benefit from fungicides or sulfur sprays.