Trees are living organisms, so that means that they can get “sick” like humans and animals. A disease or other tree problem might take a little while to show appear due to the sheer size of the tree, and once symptoms become clear, it could be too late to revive the tree.
A certified arborist from MO Tree Trimming can identify and treat tree problems so that you have a much greater chance of saving the tree. Learn about our service here. Not only can an arborist help to keep a tree from dying, but they are also able to help trees get more healthy growth and bloom more flowers or fruit with professional tree trimming.
Have you ever noticed a tree on your lawn that has always seemed OK but suddenly looks like something is wrong? In the next section, we’ll describe some of the most common tree issues and what these symptoms mean.
If you notice any of these things on any of your trees, act fast for the best chance of saving the tree and the ones around it.
Tree Diseases & Common Problems
These 7 things are the most common issues encountered by experienced arborists in Missouri. Once you think one of these things could be wrong with your tree, reach out to someone with the knowledge and tools to help!
Tree Diseases
Leaf Rust – Leaf rust is actually a fungus that is very common in both plants and trees. The name comes from the yellow and brown spots this disease creates on the leaves.
Leaf rust is bad because it prevents the leaves’ photosynthesis, the process by which it breathes. Leaf rust can be treated with fungicides and selective tree pruning of the affected leaves. It may be necessary to remove entire limbs with leaf rust.
Witches’ Broom – This common disease creates a large mass of twigs, dead leaves and branches that form a a broom shape. It is caused by pests, unusually wet weather or fungus. The construction of a clump of twigs and leaves is the tree’s reaction to infection or danger.
Some cases of Witches’ Broom are fatal for the tree, others are just considered a growth malformation. An arborist can diagnose the problem.
Mildew – Mildew is a fungus that grows on almost anything in moist conditions, but even when the wet conditions are over with, mildew can continue to thrive. Mildew usually appears as a powdery substance, typically white, and it usually shows up on the leaves of a tree first.
The the best method for treating mildew is to use a fungicide that includes sulfur. This will eliminate the current mildew and help to stop future mildew on the tree. You may also need to trim the tree to remove branches, fruit, flowers and any leaves that have been affected by the mildew
Gall – Gall is a type of tree condition that occurs when insects build small nests on the leaves or twigs of a tree to leave their eggs in. Most galls are not harmful to the tree, but none of them are attractive.
Gall appears as as bumps on the tree, in various 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 insects. You should also clean out from under the tree when the leaves fall off, because this is where the insects survive during winter months.
Other Tree Problems
Poor Pruning – There’s an art 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 a problem. Only an experienced 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 want to plant new trees, you will need to supplement how much water they get from rainfall. A tree that is not getting enough water will have its growth inhibited. The first sign you are likely to noticed is scorched or dry leaves. Find more tips for new trees here.
Too Much Sun – Do your initial research before planting trees in a full-sun area of your property. Many types 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 a long period and rainfall is light. A tree that is getting a lot of sun needs even more water to prevent wilting, drooping leaves.
Certified Arborist Services in Missouri
An experienced arborist from MO Tree Trimming will quickly diagnose what’s going on with your sick tree and put together a plan to save it.
Here are the things an arborist is trained to do:
- Review trees from the ground and from the limbs of the tree if necessary. Climbing into the canopy is typically necessary to identify exactly what is creating the symptoms.
- Treat your tree with additives and fertilizers in the dirt or products sprayed on the leaves. This person will have expert knowledge about the disease affecting your tree and the most effective treatments for it.
- Prune trees to eliminate 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 can survive both the problem and the pruning.
- Remove the tree from your property 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 home and surrounding landscape.
They can also educate you about the 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.
Many tree diseases look very similar to one another, requiring a professional eye to correctly identify and treat the issue. If your trees appear to be dry, disfigured or dying, call a professional arborist from MO Tree Trimming for an inspection before it’s too late for your tree.
