Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that affects a wide variety of landscape trees and shrubs in North Texas. While it often appears mild at first—just a light white or gray coating on leaves—this disease can quickly spread, leading to leaf yellowing, distortion, and premature leaf drop. In severe or repeated cases, powdery mildew can weaken trees and make them more vulnerable to other stresses.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, our Certified Arborists frequently diagnose and manage powdery mildew on crape myrtles, elms, oaks, and other ornamental trees in the Dallas–Fort Worth area.

What is Powdery Mildew?

Powdery mildew is caused by a variety of fungi that produce millions of tiny spores. These spores are easily carried by the wind and can infect nearby trees and plants—especially in shaded, humid environments. Despite its name, powdery mildew doesn’t require wet leaf surfaces to spread; high humidity alone is enough to trigger outbreaks.

Unlike some fungal diseases that attack internal tissues, powdery mildew thrives on the surface of leaves and stems, forming white, gray, or felt-like growths that resemble a dusting of baby powder.

Powdery Mildew Red Flags

• White or gray powder-like growth on upper leaf surfaces
  
• Blotchy, felt-like, or cobweb-textured patches
  
• Yellowing or browning of leaves with a faint halo
  
• Wilted, curled, or distorted foliage
  
• Premature leaf drop
  
• Buds that fail to open
  
• More visible symptoms on shaded, lower, or inner branches

How a Texas Tree Surgeons ISA Certified Arborist Diagnosis Powdery Mildew

At Texas Tree Surgeons, our ISA Certified Arborists are trained to spot early and advanced signs of powdery mildew during regular tree health evaluations. We look for:

• Classic fungal growth on younger leaves or stems
  
• Canopy areas with poor airflow or heavy shading
  
• Yellowing patterns that accompany the fungal presence
  
• Signs of stress from repeated infections, such as thinning or dieback
  

We also assess surrounding environmental factors—like irrigation, nearby structures, or dense vegetation—that may increase humidity and reduce circulation.

How Texas Tree Surgeons Treats / Manages Powdery Mildew

Because powdery mildew lives on the surface of leaves, treatment focuses on altering environmental conditions and removing infected material to limit spread. Depending on the severity, our management strategies may include:

• Pruning to increase airflow and light penetration
  
• Removing and disposing of infected leaves or branches (do not compost)
  
• Fungicide applications when necessary—targeted and timed early in infection
  
• Holistic tree care to improve vigor and reduce susceptibility to recurring fungal stress
  

We avoid broad-spectrum treatments that can harm beneficial organisms and always follow TDA guidelines using licensed applicators.

What can Homeowners do to help their trees with Powdery Mildew?

You can help reduce the risk of powdery mildew by taking a few simple steps:

• Avoid planting trees in overly shaded areas
  
• Prune surrounding vegetation or overgrown limbs to allow for better light and airflow
  
• Rake and dispose of fallen, infected leaves to prevent overwintering spores
  
• Disinfect pruning tools between uses to reduce spread
  
• Water at the base of trees—avoid wetting the foliage
  

If you spot early signs of powdery mildew, contact our team. Early intervention is more effective and helps reduce long-term damage.

What Will Happen to my Tree with Powdery Mildew?

In many cases, powdery mildew is not fatal, especially if the tree is otherwise healthy. However, repeated infections over multiple seasons can weaken a tree, leading to:

• Chronic stress
  
• Thinning canopy and poor growth
  
• Reduced flowering or fruiting
  
• Greater vulnerability to other pests and diseases
  

In severe cases—especially in young or newly planted trees—entire branches may die back, impacting the tree’s structure and aesthetics.

What Species are Texas Tree Surgeons Arborists Seeing this Effect?

• Crape Myrtles
  
• Elms
  
• Oaks
  
• Maples
  
• Dogwoods
  
• Catalpa
  
• Magnolias

Our Certified Arborists take a preventative and holistic approach to tree health care. We focus on reducing environmental stress, improving root zone health, and using targeted, science-based treatments only when needed. Worried about powdery mildew or another fungal issue?

Schedule a consultation today and let our team protect your trees before there is a problem.