Trees are living things, so that means that they can become “sick” like humans and animals can. A disease or other tree issue may take a little while to show up due to the sheer size of the tree, and once you notice a symptom, it could be too late to save the tree.
A professional arborist from CA Tree Trimming can help you diagnose and treat common tree issues so that there is a much better chance of keeping the tree. Learn about our service here. Not only can an experienced arborist keep a tree from dying, but they are also able to help trees get healthier growth and bloom more flowers or fruit.
Have you noticed a tree on your property that has always seemed healthy but all of the sudden looks like something is wrong? In the next paragraphs, we’ll explain some of the most typical tree problems and diseases and what these symptoms mean for a tree.
If you spot any of these things on any of your trees, 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 professional arborists in California. Once you think one of these things could be wrong with your tree, contact someone with the training and tools to help!
Tree Diseases
Leaf Rust – Leaf rust is actually a fungus that is common in both trees and plants. The name originates from the yellow and brown spots this disease produces on the leaves.
Leaf rust is bad because it inhibits the leaves’ photosynthesis, the process by which it breathes. Leaf rust can be tended to with fungicides and selective tree pruning of the diseased leaves. It may be recommended to remove entire branches with leaf rust.
Witches’ Broom – This tree disease creates a large clump of twigs, dead leaves and branches that resemble a broom shape. It is caused by insects, unusually rainy weather or fungus. The formation of a clump of leaves and twigs is the tree’s reaction to infection or harm.
Some instances of Witches’ Broom are fatal for the tree, while others are just considered a growth malformation. An arborist can diagnose the issue.
Mildew – Mildew is a type of fungus that grows on almost anything in wet conditions, but even when the moist conditions are gone, mildew can continue to thrive. Mildew usually appears as a powdery substance, usually white, and it often shows up on the leaves of a tree first.
The the best method for eliminating mildew is to apply a fungicide that includes sulfur. This will remove the existing mildew and stop future mildew growth on the tree. You might also need to prune the tree to remove limbs, fruit, flowers and leaves that were affected by the mildew
Gall – Gall is a tree disease that appears when pests or rodents build small nests on the leaves or branches of a tree to lay their eggs in. Most galls are not dangerous for the tree, but none of them are attractive.
Gall appears as as bumps on the tree, in different sizes. They can be white, brown, gray or some color in between.
It is not necessary to treat the tree for galls, but they can inhibit the growth of young 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 live during winter.
Other Tree Problems
Improper Pruning – There’s a science to tree trimming, as well as many types, and if you don’t know 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 not pruning at all) can be just as big of an issue. Only a trained arborist should be trusted to prune 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 probably have to supplement the amount of water they get from rainfall. A tree that is not getting enough water can have its growth stunted. The first sign you are likely to noticed is scorched, dry leaves. Find more tips for new trees here.
Too Much Sun – Do your initial research before planting trees in a sunny area of your property. Many species of trees can handle it without issue, but too much sun can become a problem for any tree if the sun is too hot for an extended period and rainfall is light. A tree that is getting a lot of sun needs extra water to prevent wilting, drooping leaves.
Certified Arborist Services in California
A trained arborist from CA Tree Trimming will be able to quickly diagnose what’s happening with your sick tree and lay out a plan to save it.
Here is what an arborist is qualified to do:
- Inspect trees from the ground and from the limbs of the tree if possible. Getting into the canopy is typically necessary to understand exactly what is causing the symptoms.
- Treat your tree with fertilizers and additives in the dirt or products applied to the leaves. This person will have expert knowledge about the disease affecting your tree and the most effective treatments for it.
- Trim tree limbs to get rid of dead or diseased branches and to assist healthy growth. Even if heavy trimming is necessary, they will know how to remove branches so that the tree survives both the disease and the trimming.
- Remove the tree from your lawn if there is no chance to save it. The worst case is that the tree is too far gone, and removing it is the only way to protect your property and surrounding landscape.
Arborists can also educate you about the other trees that you have om your property and how to best care for them so you don’t return to the same situation again.
Many tree issues look very similar to one another, requiring an expert eye to accurately determine and treat the problem. If your trees appear to be dry, disfigured or dying, call a certified arborist from CA Tree Trimming for an inspection before it’s too late.
