Tree diseases ravage various types of tree species throughout Texas. Arborists who provide tree care in Houston, TX, may be able to nurse sick trees back to health, but only if you act quickly. Learn which infections most commonly affect local trees and the symptoms that call for early intervention.
How Arborists Treat Infected Trees
Experts deploy several treatment methods to restore tree health when a fungal infection infiltrates the branches and root system. Their recommended solutions depend on the tree’s condition and structural integrity. Common treatments include:
- Pruning affected branches: In the early stages of a disease, select branches may appear limp or dead. Tree specialists can remove these branches to prevent the infection from spreading throughout the canopy.
- Applying fungicides: In addition to pruning, arborists often use fungicides to eradicate the disease. This powerful line of defense prevents widespread decay, but only if you diagnose and treat the disease in a timely manner.
- Removing the diseased tree: Untreated tree diseases can severely weaken the trunk’s structure and decimate the root system. When this happens, arborists have no other choice but to remove the tree for your safety and peace of mind.
Six Common Tree Diseases To Watch Out For
It’ll be tough to keep your trees lush and vibrant if any of these common tree diseases make their way into the area. Discover the threat these illnesses pose and the disease symptoms to look out for.
1. Verticillium Wilt
Do you have maple or ash trees on your property? A fungal infection called verticillium wilt may cut their lifespans short. This disease prevents water within the soil from reaching the crown, so look at the canopy if you want to monitor your tree’s health.
Improper hydration primarily affects the tree’s foliage. Leaf discoloration often occurs in diseased trees. Verticillium wilt also causes trees to produce smaller-than-normal leaves.
2. Leaf Rust
Yellow and orange leaves make for a beautiful landscape when foliage changes as part of a tree’s natural life cycle. However, if the leaves on your trees remain green with small specks of orange and yellow, it’s time to call an arborist.
This issue, known as leaf rust, manifests due to a fungus called Puccinia triticina. Leaf rust remains one of the most widespread tree diseases across various regions. It infects several different tree species, including maple, oak, willow, and birch trees.
3. Root Rot
Many tree diseases attack the foliage and branches first, making them easier for amateurs to detect. Root rot targets the tree’s root system and causes a sharp decline in health. Only when the disease worsens will you notice symptoms along the canopy, such as:
- Yellowing leaves
- Wilting foliage
- Dead branches
Detecting root rot requires a careful inspection of the base of your tree. The bark may sprout small mushrooms, and the soil surrounding the tree may feel soggy. Poor soil drainage and overwatering can also cause root rot, so be careful not to drown your tree’s root system.
4. Needle Cast Diseases
Different fungi penetrate conifers like pine and spruce trees. These organisms affect the appearance of the tree’s needles, which is why arborists refer to these cases as needle cast diseases. The most common changes to occur in these species include:
- Dark green needles turning brown
- Pointed needles falling off of the branches
- Black fungal growth along the tree
Only a professional can diagnose conifers with needle cast diseases. It’s possible that your tree needs pest control measures rather than disease treatment since spider mite infestations also cause conifer needles to turn brown.
5. Anthracnose
Keeping the fungi that create anthracnose away from your vegetation will help maintain a tree’s appearance. This disease typically impacts deciduous trees like ash, maple, and oak trees. Infected trees often exhibit the following symptoms:
- Brown patches along a leaf’s vein
- Premature leaf drop
- Dead branches
- Buds that never grow during the blooming season
Leaving an infected tree on your property takes away from your home’s curb appeal since leaves don’t retain their beautiful natural shades, and branches fail to grow each year.
6. Tar Spot
You may spot the symptoms of common tree diseases as soon as the blooming season begins. However, tar spot only affects trees during the summer.
This fungal infection creates yellow-green spots on the leaves of sycamore, maple, and holly trees. You might notice this discoloration happens in early summer, and by the time fall arrives, those spots now appear black. Tar spot isn’t as destructive as the diseases mentioned above, but there’s no denying that it turns beautiful trees into eyesores.
Can You Prevent Tree Diseases?
Since many fungal infections spread to local trees by wind and water, you can’t completely prevent them. However, you can take steps to keep your vegetation healthy. Recognize common disease symptoms and take swift action at the first sign of trouble.
Contact a certified arborist who can diagnose and treat your impacted tree. Early detection is the best way to maintain a tree’s health and stop the disease from spreading to other shrubs.
Invest in routine pruning services and fertilize your soil every year. Experts strategically prune decaying branches to prevent the disease from spreading to other limbs. Proper fertilization nourishes the soil so your root system remains strong.
When it comes to root rot, soil drainage and watering play a big role in keeping the tree healthy. Only water the tree when the soil appears extremely dry and consult an expert about drainage solutions if too much moisture seeps into the ground, drowning your tree roots.
Improve Tree Health With the Help of a Certified Arborist — Contact Tree Care Inc. Today
Don’t end up with a dying tree on your property because you fail to recognize common tree diseases and treat them. We specialize in the detection, treatment, and prevention of arbor diseases and can keep all of your vegetation healthy. Reach out to Tree Care Inc. at (713) 234-0914 for five-star tree services in Houston.
