Trees are living things, so that means that they can get “sick” just like humans and animals can. A disease or other tree problem may take a while to show appear because of the overall size of the tree, and once symptoms become clear, it could be too late to restore the tree.
A professional arborist from IN Tree Trimming can diagnose and treat tree issues so that there is a much greater chance of saving the tree. Learn about our service here. Not only can an arborist help to stop a tree from dying, but they are also able to help trees get healthier growth and more flowers or fruit with professional tree trimming.
Have you noticed a tree on your lawn that has always seemed OK but all of the sudden looks like something is wrong? In the next blog post, we’ll describe some of the most common tree problems and what these symptoms mean for a tree.
If you see 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 typical issues addressed by certified arborists in Indiana. Once you think one of these things might be wrong with your tree, call someone with the training and equipment to help!
Tree Diseases
Leaf Rust – Leaf rust is actually a fungus that is very common in both trees and plants. The name comes from the yellow and brown spots this disease creates on the leaves.
Leaf rust is bad because it inhibits the leaves’ photosynthesis, the process by which it breathes. Leaf rust can be treated with fungicides and selective trimming of the affected leaves. It may be recommended to remove whole branches with leaf rust.
Witches’ Broom – This common disease creates a large clump of twigs, dead leaves and branches that look like a broom shape. It is caused by insects, unusually wet weather or fungus. The formation of a clump of twigs and leaves is the tree’s reaction to infection or harm.
Some cases of Witches’ Broom are deadly for the tree, others are simply 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 after the wet conditions are over with, mildew can continue to thrive. Mildew appears as a powdery substance, typically white, and it often appears on the leaves of a tree first.
The the best method for eliminating mildew is to use a fungicide that contains sulfur. This will treat the existing mildew and help to stop future mildew on the tree. You might also need to prune 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 occurs when insects build small nests on the leaves or twigs of a tree to lay their eggs in. Most galls are not dangerous for the tree, but none of them are attractive.
Gall will appear as bumps on the tree, in varying sizes. They can be white, brown, gray or some color in between.
You do not have to treat the tree if there are 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 when the leaves fall off, since this is where the pests survive during winter.
Other Tree Problems
Poor Pruning – There’s a science to tree trimming, as well as many types, and if you aren’t sure what you’re doing, 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 certified arborist should be trusted to trim trees in order to keep them healthy.
Lack of Water – Young trees can be significantly affected by drought. If you plant new trees, you will need to supplement the amount of water they get from rainfall. A tree that doesn’t get enough water can have its growth inhibited. The first sign you are likely to see is scorched, dry leaves. Find more tips for new trees here.
Too Much Sun – Do your initial 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 a long period and rainfall is light. A tree that is getting too much sun needs extra water to prevent wilting, drooping leaves.
Certified Arborist Services in Indiana
A certified arborist from IN Tree Trimming will quickly diagnose what’s going on with your sick tree and formulate a plan to save it if at all possible.
Here is what an arborist is trained to do:
- Review trees from below and from the branches of the tree if necessary. Getting into the canopy is often necessary to identify exactly what is leading to the symptoms.
- Treat your tree with additives and fertilizers in the soil or products applied to the leaves. The arborist will have expert knowledge about the disease impacting the tree and the best treatments for it.
- Trim trees to eliminate dead or damaged branches and to help healthy growth. Even if heavy pruning is needed, they will know how to remove branches so that the tree can survive both the problem and the trimming process.
- Remove the tree from your property if there is no chance to save it. The worst case is that the tree is dying, and cutting it down is the best way to protect your home and surrounding landscape.
They can also educate you about the other trees that you have and how to best care for them so you don’t find yourself in the same situation in the future.
Some tree diseases look similar to one another, requiring a professional opinion to accurately diagnose and correct the issue. If your trees appear to be dry, unhealthy or disfigured, call a certified arborist from IN Tree Trimming for an inspection before it’s too late.
