tree diseases and the symptoms to watch for

Your Tree Disease Guide

11 August 2022

Wesley Perry

Trees are a great addition to your yard, but like any plant, they can develop a disease. Most commonly, tree diseases are caused by fungus. If you would like to know more about tree diseases, keep reading.

What Are Common Tree Diseases? 

There are many types of disease that can attack your tree, but some of the most common include:

• Canker disease
• Rust
• Anthracnose
• Wilts

Canker disease presents with large scab-like lesions on the tree bark. It's often caused by fungi, but bacteria can spread this disease too. Rust, unlike traditional rust on metal, is also caused by fungi. If the condition affects needles, it's known as needle rust, and it can also attack the leaves of hardwood trees.

Anthracnose is another fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of hardwood trees. Also known as leaf blight, it causes dead brown dead areas on leaves. Wilt presents with similar symptoms as anthracnose. It is also a fungal disease, and it often affects oaks.

How Are Tree Diseases Diagnosed?

If you have a tree that shows signs of disease, you should contact a tree specialist as soon as possible to see if the tree can be saved. Signs of a disease include:

• Abnormally yellowing leaves
• Brown leaves
• Fuzzy white patches
• Holes in tree
• Dead/dropping branches/excess leaves

Once the specialist arrives, they will inspect the tree, including the trunk, stems, branches, and leaves/pines. After identifying the type of disease, they will also determine the likely cause or any contributing factors, such as stress.

If the tree can be saved, they will suggest changes that should be made to revive the tree and fight the disease. If the tree can't be saved, talk with them about having the tree removed. A dying tree can pose a lot of risks, including falling over.

Can Tree Disease Be Treated? 

Treating the disease itself can be hard, but your tree specialist can stop the disease from spreading by removing affected branches and leaves. Fungicides can also help kill fungus and prevent more from growing. Adding better soil with good fertilization can also help. Other ways to help include:

• Preventing excess moisture
• Improving sunlight penetration
• Improved drainage.

If the tree can't be saved and/or you frequently struggle with tree diseases, it may be time to change the types of trees you plant. Some trees are more resistant to fungus and disease.

If you have a tree that is showing signs of disease, it's time to contact a specialist. Without treatment, the tree could die.

If you would like to know more, contact a tree diagnosis solutions service.

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