Trees are living organisms, so it stands to reason that they can become “sick” like humans and animals. A disease or other tree problem might take a little while to show up due to the overall size of the tree, and once you identify a symptom, it could be too late to save the tree.
A certified arborist from TX Tree Trimming can identify and treat tree problems so that you have a much better chance of keeping the tree. Learn about our service here. Not only can an experienced arborist prevent a tree from dying, but they can also help trees get more healthy growth and more flowers or fruit with professional tree trimming.
Have you ever noticed a tree on your lawn that has always seemed OK but all of the sudden seems like something is wrong? In the next blog post, we’ll explain some of the most common tree problems and diseases and what these symptoms mean.
If you notice any of these things, act fast for the best chance of saving the tree and the ones nearby it.
Tree Diseases & Common Problems
These 7 things are the most frequent issues addressed by certified arborists in Texas. As soon as you think one of these things could be wrong with your tree, call someone with the knowledge and tools to help!
Tree Diseases
Leaf Rust – Leaf rust is a fungus that is very common in both plants and trees. The name originates from the yellow and brown spots this disease produces on the leaves.
Leaf rust is dangerous because it prevents the leaves’ photosynthesis, the process by which it breathes. Leaf rust can be treated with fungicides and selective trimming of the affected leaves. It could be necessary to cut off whole branches with leaf rust.
Witches’ Broom – This common tree disease creates a large mass of twigs, dead leaves and branches that look like a broom shape. It is caused by insects, unusually wet weather or fungus. The construction of a clump of leaves and twigs is the tree’s reaction to infection or danger.
Some instances of Witches’ Broom are fatal for the tree, others are only considered a growth malformation. An arborist can tell you for sure.
Mildew – Mildew is a fungus that grows on just about anything in moist conditions, but even when the wet conditions are gone, mildew can remain and thrive. It usually appears as a powdery texture, typically white, and it usually shows up on the leaves of the tree first.
The the best method for treating mildew is to use a fungicide that contains sulfur. This will remove the existing mildew and prevent future mildew on the tree. You might also need to prune the tree to remove limbs, fruit, flowers and any leaves that have been affected by the mildew
Gall – Gall is a tree disease that appears when insects build small nests on the leaves or branches of a tree to leave their eggs in. Most types of galls are not harmful to the tree, but none of them are attractive.
Gall will appear as bumps on the tree, in different sizes. They are often white, brown, gray or some color in between.
You do not have to treat the tree if there are galls, but they can affect the growth of recently planted trees. Treat galls by killing the pests. You should also clean out from under the tree after the leaves fall off, because this is where the insects live during winter.
Other Tree Problems
Incorrect Pruning – There’s a science to tree pruning, as well as many types, and if you aren’t sure how to do it, you could harm the tree past the point of recovery. Consider the type of tree, season and other factors. Under-pruning (or a lack of pruning at all) is just as big of an issue. Only a certified arborist should be trusted to trim trees in order to keep them healthy.
Lack of Water – New trees can be severely impacted by drought. If you plant new trees, you will need to supplement how much water they get from rainfall. A tree that doesn’t get enough water will have its growth stunted. The first symptom you are likely to see is scorched, dry leaves. Find more tips for new trees here.
Too Much Sun – Do some initial planning before planting trees in a full-sun area. Most types of trees can handle it just fine, but too much sun can happen to any tree if the sun is harsh for an extended period of time and rainfall is light. A tree that is getting excessive sun needs extra water to prevent wilting, drooping leaves.
Certified Arborist Services in Texas
A trained arborist from TX Tree Trimming will quickly identify what’s happening with your sick tree and formulate a plan to rescue it.
Here is what an arborist is trained to do:
- Inspect trees from the ground and from the branches of the tree if necessary. Climbing into the canopy is often necessary to identify exactly what is causing the symptoms.
- Treat your tree with additives and fertilizers in the dirt or solutions sprayed on the leaves. The arborist will have knowledge about the disease affecting your tree and the most effective treatments.
- Prune tree limbs to remove dead or damaged branches and to assist healthy growth. Even if heavy pruning is necessary, they will know how to remove branches so that the tree survives both the disease and the pruning.
- Remove the tree from your yard if nothing can be done to save it. The worst case is that the tree is dying, and cutting it down is the only choice to protect your property and surrounding landscape.
Arborists can also inform you about the trees that you have and how to best maintain them so you don’t find yourself in the same situation again.
Many tree problems look similar to each other, requiring an expert eye to correctly determine and treat the issue. If your trees appear to be dry, unhealthy or disfigured, call a certified arborist from TX Tree Trimming for an inspection before it’s too late for your tree.
