Trees are living things, so that means that they can become “sick” like people and animals can. A disease or other tree issue may take a little while to show appear due to the sheer size of the tree, and once symptoms become obvious, it could be too late to revive the tree.
A professional arborist from DE Tree Trimming can identify and treat common 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 healthier growth and bloom more flowers or fruit with professional tree pruning.
Have you noticed a tree on your lawn that has always seemed healthy but all of the sudden looks like something is wrong? In the next blog post, we’ll describe some of the most common tree issues and what these symptoms mean.
If you spot any of these things on any of the trees on your property, act fast to have the best chance of saving the tree and the ones around it.
Tree Diseases & Common Problems
These 7 things are the most common problems addressed by experienced arborists in Delaware. As soon as you think one of these things is wrong with your tree, call someone with the training 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 brown and yellow spots this disease produces on the leaves.
Leaf rust is a problem because it inhibits the leaves’ photosynthesis, the process by which it breathes. Leaf rust can be tended to with fungicides and selective trimming of the diseased leaves. It may be recommended to remove entire limbs with leaf rust.
Witches’ Broom – This common disease creates a large grouping of twigs, dead leaves and branches that look like a broom shape. It is caused by insects, unusually rainy weather or fungus. The construction of a clump of twigs and leaves is the tree’s reaction to infection or harm.
Some cases of Witches’ Broom are fatal for the tree, others are only considered a growth malformation. A tree care specialist can diagnose the issue.
Mildew – Mildew is a fungus that grows on almost anything in wet conditions, but even after the wet conditions are gone, mildew can persist and thrive. It appears as a powdery texture, usually white, and it usually appears on the leaves of the tree first.
The the best method for eliminating mildew is to apply a fungicide that contains sulfur. This will eliminate the current mildew and help to prevent future mildew growth on the tree. You may also need to trim the tree to remove limbs, fruit, flowers and leaves that have been affected by the mildew
Gall – Gall is a type of tree disease that appears when insects build small nests on the leaves or twigs of a tree to lay their eggs in. Most galls are not harmful to the tree, but they are not attractive.
Gall appears as as bumps on the tree, in different sizes. They are often white, brown, gray or some shade in between.
It is not necessary to treat the tree for galls, but they can limit the growth of new trees. Treat galls by killing the pests. You should also clean out from under the tree after the leaves fall off, since this is where the pests survive during winter months.
Other Tree Problems
Improper Trimming – There’s a science to tree trimming, as well as many types, and if you don’t know what to do, you could damage the tree past the point of recovery. Consider the type of tree, season and other factors. Under-pruning (or not pruning at all) is just as big of a problem. Only a trained arborist should be trusted to trim trees in order to keep them healthy.
Lack of Water – Young trees can be severely impacted by drought. If you plant new trees on your property, you will probably have to supplement the amount of 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 noticed is scorched, dry leaves. Find more tips for new trees here.
Too Much Sun – Do some research before planting trees in a full-sun area. Most species of trees can handle it without issue, but too much sun can happen to any tree if the sun is harsh for an extended period and rainfall is light. A tree that is getting too much sun needs even more water to fight against wilting, drooping leaves.
Certified Arborist Services in Delaware
A trained arborist from DE Tree Trimming will be able to quickly diagnose what’s going on with your sick tree and put together a plan to rescue it.
Here are the things an arborist is qualified to do:
- Evaluate trees from the ground and from the branches of the tree if necessary. Getting into the canopy is usually necessary to see exactly what is creating the symptoms.
- Treat your tree through additives and fertilizers in the soil or solutions sprayed on the leaves. This person will have knowledge about the disease impacting the tree and the best treatments for it.
- Trim trees to remove dead or diseased branches and to help healthy growth. Even if heavy pruning is needed, they will know how to cut off branches so that the tree survives both the disease and the pruning process.
- Remove the tree from your property if there is no chance to save it. The worst case scenario is that the tree is too far gone, and cutting it down is the only way to protect your property and surrounding landscape.
Arborists can also inform you about the other trees that you have om your property and how to best care for them so you don’t find yourself in the same situation in the future.
Some tree problems look very similar to each other, requiring a professional eye to accurately identify and treat the issue. If your trees appear to be dry, unhealthy or disfigured, call a professional arborist from DE Tree Trimming for an inspection before it’s too late.
