Trees form an important part of our environment. They provide shade and increase the scenic beauty of our surroundings, while also maintaining ecological balance. Like other living creatures, trees are susceptible to diseases. The diseases can have a detrimental effect on the mortality and existence of these plants. However, to identify and treat such diseases, the symptoms must be known. We will discuss some of the most common tree diseases, their symptoms, and how to find them in this blog.
1. Anthracnose
What is it?
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that centers its activity on countless trees, primarily sycamores, oaks, maples, and dogwoods. It attacks leaves, but from time to time can severely affect twigs and flowers.
Symptoms:
- Brown or black spots on leaves, generally along the veins.
- Premature leaf drop.
- Twigs may become singled out by cankers or dieback.
Identification Tips:
Look for irregularly shaped, brown spots appearing on leaves, especially in cool, wet spring weather. The affected leaves may turn color and curl or become distorted before drop off.
2. Dutch Elm Disease
What it is?
This is an especially severe type of fungal disease that is spread by bark beetles. It has decimated populations of elm trees all over North America and Europe.
Symptoms
A wilting, and yellowing of leaves, starting from the top of the tree.
Leaves turn brown and curl up before falling prematurely.
Dark streaks in the sapwood beneath the bark.
Identification Tips:
Look for sudden wilting and yellowing of leaves, especially in the upper branches. If you think it is DED, cut away a small area of bark to look for dark streaks in the wood.
3. Powdery Mildew
What is it?
This is a fungal disease that attacks trees, especially those growing in an area with a reduced amount of light and where humidity levels are relatively high. It is characterized by a white powdery substance formation on the leaves and stems.
Symptoms
- Affect leaves, buds, and stems, which become coated with a white or grayish-white, powdery deposit.
- Leaves are often distorted by curling or twisting.
- Dwarfing or stunting may result.
Identification tips
Look for a white, powdery material on the upper surfaces of the leaves. The fungus is best seen during dry, warm weather and on young, succulent growth.
4. Cedar-Apple Rust
What does it look like?
This fungal disease needs two hosts to complete its life cycle: junipers (sometimes called cedars) and apple or crabapple trees.
What to look for on apple trees:
Bright orange or yellow spots on leaves
Early leaf drop.
Make the fruit deformed or splotchy.
Symptoms on Cedar Trees:
You will note swollen, reddish-brown galls on twigs. These galls produce orange, gelatinous spore horns in wet spring weather.
Identification Tips: Go check apple trees with orange or yellow spots on their leaves between late spring. For cedar trees, only check for reddish-brown galls that produce orange, spore-filled tendrils after rain.
5. Fire Blight
What is it?
Fire blight is a bacterial disease of many fruit trees, including apples and pears, and related ornamental species. It spreads rapidly once infections are initiated under warm and wet conditions.
Symptoms:
- Blossoms will turn brown and wilt.
- Twigs and branches will look scorched and turn black or brown.
- Bark can crack, ooze, or sunken cankers develop.
Identification Tips:
Fire blight often starts on the flowers; the blossoms will wilt and turn brown, in fact precisely as if they were scorched with fire. The infection rapidly travels to the twigs and branches and results in blackening, taking the characteristic appearance of a “shepherd’s crook” in them.
Conclusion
Early identification of common tree diseases contributes to the stoppage and prevention from further decay. Regular check-ups and a watchful eye for changes in their appearance could make quite a difference in your trees’ health and longevity. If you suspect a severe disease in them, consulting a professional arborist will always generate precise results and suitable treatment. Proper care for these plants and sufficient attention to them will ensure healthy, powerful, and alive trees for many years.