Tree Health 101: Common Tree Diseases You Should Know

Estate and home owners have take care of the trees that are in their yard so that they can grow sturdy and tall. They can live for a long time but they require an ongoing source of nutrients and water from the soil and sunlight, oxygen or carbon dioxide out of the air. If some of the intakes for sustenance are reduced or cut off, the trees will not grow correctly and could die completely. This can make them susceptible for fungal and other infections during the rainy seasons.

A few of the most well-known tree diseases are:

Anthracnose

Anthracnose is a fungus that is a problem for a variety of species of trees typically oaks, ashes and Sycamores. It can cause twig death and eventually defoliation. Fortunately, the condition is usually contained to a single branch and does not cause long-lasting damage. The most effective treatment for anthracnose is to remove the affected limbs and twigs , and applying an effective fungicide. Regular pruning can help injured areas breathe and lower the risk of getting an infection.

Certain tree species have a higher resistance to anthracnose than others. If your local area is often suffering with this disease look for a replacement tree that is susceptible.

Cankers

The cankers (or root diseases) typically arise due to cuts that don’t heal correctly. They could be fungal or bacteria, with the pathogen entering the tree’s vascular system. In time, the disease results in structural damage that is localized which weakens the branches of the tree to the point that they break.

The most commonly used method of treatment is to remove the infected areas and taking care of the areas around them. In addition periodic pruning, as well as prevention techniques will lessen the impact. Be sure to avoid pruning in humid weather as most diseases thrive in humid conditions.

Diplodia tip blight

The most well-known Blight-related diseases, this one is a threat to many species of pine as well as other conifers that are mature. The symptoms begin as tiny black spots on the needles and pinecones. It then spreads over the foliage by way of fungal spores. The most common cases are of trees that do not receive enough nutrients or water.

A proper care plan includes eliminating the affected areas , and ensuring that the tree gets every nutrient it requires and that the soil is in good condition to thrive.

Needlecast-related diseases

These are diseases that affect evergreen plants and are generally fungal in their origins. The most frequent symptoms are dying or yellowing of the foliage. Needlecasts generally start from the base of the tree to the top Therefore, the owners should check the lowest branches to see if there are signs of infection. The fungi responsible for the problem are most active during spring and summer months. If pruning preventatively in dry weather isn’t helping it is possible to cut off the affected limbs and treat the remainder of the plant with active components.

Vascular illnesses

The causes of these diseases are infiltrates which reach the vascular system of the tree, eventually sucking up all nutrients. As time passes, the disease takes over the tree by removing it from its inside. The first signs usually show rapid defoliation. Certain vascular diseases, such as oak can spread through the tree’s root systems. Beetles that sucking into sap could be harmful. The diseases could be fatal when left untreated.

The most effective way to avoid cardiovascular diseases is to block off areas that have been pruned so that they are not attractive to beetles that could transmit the disease.

Root rot

The majority of trees succumb to root decay. The main cause for root rot is the excess soil water in the event that the soil doesn’t drain correctly. The signs of root rot are the appearance of wilting leaves, or signs similar to other ailments which makes it difficult to determine. But the correct soil aeration as well as biocides are able to treat these ailments.

Consult a professional for maintenance of healthy trees

The best method to develop sturdy, durable trees in your backyard is to let professionals take care of them all year long.