Leaf Spots and Blights

Madrone leaves develop small dark spots from Phyllosticta and Dothiorella fungi, occasionally coalescing into larger blotches. Remove affected plant parts, increase spacing for air movement, avoid overhead wetting, and apply fungicides if needed. This is generally a minor issue on landscape trees.

Remove blighted tissue promptly, cutting well below visible symptoms. Improve air circulation by thinning dense growth. Avoid overhead watering, especially during bloom and new growth periods when tissues are most susceptible. For recurring problems, preventive fungicide applications timed to protect new growth can reduce infection, but cultural controls should be your first approach.