Homeowners have to be wary of the fungi and diseases that affect trees. If ignored, an infected tree can spread the disease to other plants on your property. Aside from looking unappealing, they can also invite pests and bugs.  

We’re here to help, whether you want to know how to prevent problems and diseases before they appear or you have noticed the trees on your property are unhealthy.  

One of the best ways to prevent tree diseases is to maintain your tree regularly. This includes pruning, tree trimming Lexington KY, and much more.  

Anthracnose 

This is a fungal disease that affects shade trees. It can cause early leaf drop, curling of leaves, cupping, and leaf spots. Wind and rain combined with mild winter weather in the spring increase the risk of anthracnose. That’s why they’re an extremely common issue in cold regions.  

Though this disease usually will not kill a tree, it can affect growth and damage the look of your tree. 

• Symptoms and Signs of Anthracnose: 

Indications of this disease are quite easy to notice. However, the exact signs might manifest differently. This depends on your tree species. The ideal way to notice issues is to check the leaves of the tree for: 

• Leaves that are most affected on the inner and lower branches of the tree 
• Minor insect feeding wounds 
• Curled, cupped, or distorted leaves 
• Irregular and brown shaped spots 

Verticillium Wilt 

This is a severe fungal disease influencing a lot of trees. Verticillium wilt lives in the soil and invades a tree through the root. It causes the tree’s cells to plug themselves as the disease spreads through the branches. Eventually, the tree will become severely affected that water won’t reach the leaves.  

• Symptoms and Signs of Verticillium Wilt 

Yellow-green streaks are one popular indication of Verticillium. However, this does not mean automatically that your tree has the disease. Other indications to look for include: 

• The tree might have discolored sapwood 

• Increase in dead branches and twigs 
• A decline in the new growth of twig 
• The leaves might look yellow before they wilt 
• Several branches on one side might wilt 

Though these are a couple of indications to look out for, only an expert tree care company can diagnose the disease in your tree. 

Phytophthora Root Rot 

This disease is caused by overwatering or poor drainage in the soil around your tree. The tree will not be able to absorb the nourishment and moisture it requires from the soil. This causes the roots to decay and die slowly since it is starved from oxygen. 

In several trees, it can take a lot of years before the tree dies from this disease. On some, the tree might die within one season. 

• Symptoms and Signs of Root Rot 

A tree that is experiencing root rot will have a lowered vigor and unappealing look. An excellent way to recognize root rot include: 

• Branch dieback 
• A thinning canopy 
• Yellow or wilted leaves 
• Pale and small leaves 
• Poor growth