Q: My Indian Hawthorn shrubs have brownish-red spots on the leaves, and many of them are half dead. What can I do to save them?
A: Though it’s hard to tell without seeing the plant, the likely problem is Entomosporium Leaf Spot, a fungal disease that also attacks Red-Tip Photinias. The disease is particularly active during cool, wet spring weather, if plants are in too much shade, and if sprinklers are hitting the leaves. If the disease isn’t too severe, you may want to try fungicides, but it will be an uphill battle. In the long run a better choice will be one of the disease-resistant Hawthorns or another evergreen shrub.