Trees are living things, so it stands to reason that they can become “sick” just like humans and animals. A disease or other tree problem may take a little while to show up due to the overall size of the tree, and once you identify a symptom, it could be too late to revive the tree.
A professional arborist from ID Tree Trimming can identify and treat tree problems so that there is a much better chance of saving the tree. Learn about our service here. Not only can an experienced arborist help to keep 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 healthy but all of the sudden looks like something is wrong? In the next section, we’ll explain some of the most common tree problems 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 frequent issues encountered by experienced arborists in Idaho. The moment you think one of these things could 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 common in both trees and plants. The name originates from the yellow and brown spots this disease creates on the leaves.
Leaf rust is a problem because it interferes with the leaves’ photosynthesis, the process by which it breathes. Leaf rust can be tended to with fungicides and selective tree trimming of the affected leaves. It might be necessary to cut off whole limbs with leaf rust.
Witches’ Broom – This common disease results in a large clump of twigs, dead leaves and branches that look like a broom shape. It is caused by insects, unusually rainy weather or fungus. The formation of a clump of twigs and leaves is the tree’s reaction to infection or danger.
Some cases of Witches’ Broom are deadly for the tree, others are only considered a growth malformation. An arborist can diagnose the problem.
Mildew – Mildew is a type of fungus that grows on almost anything in moist conditions, but even when the wet conditions are gone, mildew can continue to thrive. Mildew appears as a powdery substance, usually white, and it often grows 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 current mildew and help to stop future mildew on the tree. You might also need to trim the tree to remove branches, fruit, flowers and leaves that have been affected by the mildew
Gall – Gall is a type of tree condition 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 none of them are attractive.
Gall appears as as bumps on the tree, in varying sizes. They are often white, brown, gray or some color in between.
You do not have to treat the tree for galls, but they can limit the growth of young 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 pests survive during winter.
Other Tree Problems
Incorrect Trimming – There’s a science to tree pruning, as well as many types, and if you aren’t sure how to do it, you could damage the tree beyond 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 an experienced arborist should be trusted to prune trees to keep them healthy.
Lack of Water – New trees can be significantly impacted by drought. If you plant new trees on your property, you will need to supplement how much water they get from rainfall. A tree that is not getting enough water will 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. 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 of time and rainfall is light. A tree that is getting excessive sun needs even more water to fight against wilting, drooping leaves.
Certified Arborist Services in Idaho
An experienced arborist from ID Tree Trimming will be able to quickly diagnose what’s going on with your sick tree and formulate a plan to rescue it.
Here is what an arborist is qualified to do:
- Review trees from below and from the branches of the tree if possible. Getting into the canopy is typically necessary to see exactly what is creating the symptoms.
- Treat your tree with additives and fertilizers in the soil or products sprayed on the leaves. The arborist will have expert knowledge about the disease affecting your tree and the most effective treatments.
- Trim trees to remove dead or diseased branches and to help healthy growth. Even if heavy pruning is necessary, they will know how to remove branches so that the tree can survive both the issue and the pruning process.
- Remove the tree from your yard 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 property and surrounding landscape.
They can also inform you about the 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 diseases look similar to each other, requiring a professional opinion to correctly identify and treat the problem. If your trees are looking dry, disfigured or dying, call a certified arborist from ID Tree Trimming for an inspection before it’s too late for your tree.
