TREE DISEASES

Tree Diseases


 There are plenty of natural threats that can harm or even kill your trees. Tree diseases can lead to multiple issues including leaf yellowing, defoliation, branch dieback, and in worse cases death of the tree. In many cases with tree diseases, a lot of damage can occur before you start to even see signs of a problem. For this reason, it is very important to provide your trees with proper care to help them better resist diseases and harmful insects so they can remain healthy and vibrant. If you do not recognize the signs of tree disease and react quickly, you may be forced to remove the affected tree.


If you want to give your trees the best chance of avoiding disease with effective tree care services, contact us!

Dutch Elm Disease

Dutch elm disease is a fungal disease that is spread by elm beetles and through root graphs from surrounding infected trees. The first symptom of Dutch elm disease is the leaves on the infected branches turn dull green to yellow and curl, finally becoming dry, brittle and brown. The symptoms progress down the limb and eventually throughout the entire tree. Symptoms progress as the fungus grows in the tree. The pattern of leaf death visible outside the tree reflects the fungus growth inside. 

Oak Wilt

Oak wilt is a very serious fungal disease that affects all types of oak trees. Oaks that are infected by this disease may experience leaf discoloration and defoliation, wilt, discoloration of vascular tissues, and eventually, if left untreated, will lead to death. Oak wilt is usually spread by insects or through root grafts. It will attack the affected tree from the top down. Certain species of oak are particularly susceptible to this disease and can die within a single growing season. This is why it is so important to take preventative measures against oak wilt because this disease cannot be cured.

Apple Scab

Apple scab is a fungal disease that commonly affects trees in the rose family including crab apple, pear and apple trees. Leaves infected with apple scab often turn spotty, yellow and drop prematurely. Trees are sometimes totally defoliated by mid-summer. Apple scab infections seem to be worse during wet, rainy springtime weather. Symptoms on fruit are similar to those found on leaves. Scabby spots are sunken and tan, they become larger and turn brown as they mature. Infected fruit becomes distorted and may crack. Severely affected fruit may drop, especially when young. 

Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can affect many different types of plants. The fungus causes powdery white spots to form on the leaves that will grow in size and spread throughout the tree. This disease is very recognizable and can easily be treated with fungicides. Powdery mildew will slow the growth of the affected tree but will only kill the tree if the infection is left untreated and becomes very severe.

Rhizospaera Needle Cast

Rhizospaera needle cast is a fungal disease most commonly seen in Spruce. Other conifers such as pines and firs can also get the disease. Infection usually starts on lower branches of the tree and progresses upward. After infection the needles turn yellow late in the summer. During the following winter or early spring the needles turn anywhere from brown to a brownish purple color before beginning to drop.

Anthracnose

Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can affect many different types of trees some of which include ash trees, oak trees, sycamores, and dogwoods. This disease attacks leaves, shoots, flowers, and fruits, causing dark lesions to form in the affected areas. Irregularly shaped brown or yellow spots will form on the leaves which can lead to defoliation. Trees affected by anthracnose can be saved by pruning the affected branches and with applications of a copper-based fungicide.

If you see any signs of what could be disease in your trees or shrubs, contact us to see what we can do to get your trees & shrubs back to health!

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