When it comes to landscaping trees, most diseases are simply aesthetic and can be treated without problem. However, there are several other types of tree illnesses and threats that can both harm and kill trees. It is best to treat an unhealthy tree as soon as you are aware there is a problem. Perhaps your tree leaves are turning brown and curling at the ends, or the bark is starting to peel off. If you are noticing a decline in your tree’s health, it is time to consider professional tree care and assistance. Catching a tree disease early on can save the lives of your landscaped trees, as well as, all other flora on and around your property. Continue reading to learn more about common tree diseases, and how to identify them in their early stages.
Emerald Ash Borer
The Emerald Ash Borer is a tree beetle that attacks Ash Trees and never hangs out alone. They come in large colonies that can quickly infest trees and deprive them of food and nutrients. These are moderate-sized green beetles with shiny backs and exoskeletons. They are known to make S-shaped larval galleries in the outer bark of trees, and D-shaped emergence holes to exit them. These carvings are tale-tell signs of an EAB attack. These beetles can quickly harm or kill a tree. Signs of an EAB infestation include crown dieback, or when the canopy of trees begin to die and expose dead tree branches. Other signs include bark splitting, epicormic sprouting, and woodpecker feedings. Woodpeckers love to eat Emerald Ash Borers, so if you see a crowd of them on a tree, you can assume it is infested. Epicormic sprouting is when a tree becomes desperate to grow new branches, and begins new growth towards the bottom of the trunk. To get rid of these beetles, a professional Fishers Indiana Tree Care specialist is required.
Oak Wilt
Oak wilt commonly affects, you guessed it, Oak Trees. This diseases is commonly found in White Oaks, Red Oaks, and live oak trees. It is commonly found in Eastern parts of the United States, and is one of the most serious tree diseases around. Forests and landscapes are losing thousands of Oak Trees each year to Oak Wilt disease. It is a fungus that infiltrates wounded or weakened trees. The seriousness with this disease has to do with the fact that the fungus can move from tree to tree, through the root system or through insects. Unfortunately, once an Oak tree is infected with this particular fungus, there is no cure.
Chestnut Blight
This is another tree fungus disease that affects Eastern regions of the United States. It prefers hardwoods, like the American Chestnut Tree. In the past, professionals have tried to cut and remove the roots of infected trees to stop the spread of the fungus; however, it wouldn’t go away. Although it seems there is no cure for this disease, it seems to act as a nonfatal parasite to some species; such as Chinquapin trees, Spanish Chestnut trees, and Oak trees. WE only hope this fungus can one day be controlled and treatable.
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