Otiorhynchus meridionalis, the lilacroot weevil, is a species of broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae. It is found in North America. Lilacroot weevils are shiny, brownish-black beetles, about 0.25 inches with long snout and geniculate antennae. Potential DamagefromLilacRoots. It's very unlikely that lilac bush roots will break through the side of a foundation.There is a small risk of damagefromlilacroots to water and sewer lines. Lilacroots follow sources of nutrients and water along the path of least resistance. Will lilacrootsdamage the leach lines from my septic tank?I received bare rootlilacs from the Arbor Foundation last year. Planted them. seem fine. They are about a foot/foot and half now and very green leaves. Damage usually occurs when lilacroots approach the base of the foundation under the soil. Since lilacroot systems are shallow, they can only reach the base of shallow foundations . Pest description and damage Identification is important as root weevil species differ in susceptibility to pesticides and may have different life cycles. Adult weevils are from 0.2 and 0.25 inch long, dark colored and nocturnal, East of the Cascades, the lilac weevil is especially common. For example, the University of Minnesota Extension reported that some gardeners experienced lilac dieback as a result of rootdamage after extremely cold temperatures when there was no snow to protect the plants. Girdling roots, compacted soil, or bark damagefrom lawn mowers and string trimmers stresses lilacroots. Without healthy roots, plants can’t take up water and nutrients, leading to leaf browning. Nutrient Deficiency. Concerns about damage to pipes or foundations fromlilacroots are largely unfounded because the roots are not strong enough to break through intact structures. Instead, they might exploit existing cracks or weaknesses to seek out moisture. Identify aphid damage through signs like misshaped or yellowing lilac leaves, sticky residues on stems, deformed growth, galls on roots or leaves, and visible clusters of small bugs. Lilacs readily propagate through many methods, including cuttings, grafting, air layering, and seed. But the best and simplest method to propagate lilacs is by offshoots. This is an inexpensive way to gain a new lilac bush and also prevents the existing lilac from becoming overcrowded. Lilacroots generally spread one and one-half times the width of the shrub. A distance of 12 feet (4 m.) from the foundation is generally enough to prevent foundation damage. Potential DamagefromLilacRoots#. It’s very unlikely that lilac bush roots will break through the side of a foundation. Grass roots compete directly with lilacroots. Lawn maintenance equipment damageslilac trunks and roots. Lawn fertilizers often contain too much nitrogen. Grass traps moisture against lilac bases. Damage. Squirrels sometimes strip the bark from the lower portions of lilac trees. Researchers have several theories for why squirrels do this. The creatures might by trying to access the inner bark of the shrubs, which contain nutrients their diets lack. In this IssuePowdery mildew: Monitor plants for white myceliumRoot weevils: Feeding damage on foliage will be visible soon
