Common Types and Symptoms of Tree Disease

Trees are vital to our environment, providing oxygen, improving air quality, and enhancing the beauty of our landscapes. However, trees are susceptible to a variety of diseases that can compromise their health and longevity. Recognising the common types and symptoms of tree disease is crucial for maintaining healthy trees. Tree surgeons, often employed by tree care services, play a key role in diagnosing and treating these conditions, ensuring that our trees thrive. This blog will explore some of the most common tree diseases and their symptoms.

Common Types of Tree Diseases

Dutch Elm Disease: Dutch Elm Disease (DED) is a serious fungal disease that affects elm trees. It is caused by the fungus Ophiostoma ulmi and is spread by elm bark beetles.

Symptoms:

• Yellowing and Wilting Leaves: One of the first signs is the yellowing and wilting of leaves, typically starting at the top of the tree and progressing downward.

• Branch Death: As the disease progresses, branches will die and eventually the entire tree can succumb if not treated.

Oak Wilt: Oak Wilt is a deadly fungal disease that affects oak trees, caused by the fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum. It spreads through root grafts and by sap-feeding beetles.

Symptoms:

• Leaf Discolouration: Leaves will begin to brown from the edges inward.

• Rapid Leaf Drop: Infected trees can lose leaves rapidly, often in mid-summer.

• Vascular Staining: When the bark is peeled back, dark streaks can be seen in the sapwood.

Apple Scab: Apple Scab is a fungal disease caused by Venturia inaequalis, primarily affecting apple and crabapple trees. It is most prevalent in wet and humid conditions.

Symptoms:

• Olive-Green Spots: Leaves, fruit, and sometimes twigs will show olive-green to black spots.

• Premature Leaf Drop: Affected leaves may turn yellow and drop prematurely.

• Scabby Fruit: Fruits develop dark, scabby lesions, which can make them unmarketable.

Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a group of fungal diseases that affect a variety of trees, including sycamores, oaks, and maples. The fungi overwinter in twigs and fallen leaves.

Symptoms:

• Leaf Spots: Irregularly shaped, brown or black spots appear on leaves.

• Twig and Branch Dieback: In severe cases, twigs and branches can die back.

• Cankers: Sunken, dead areas on branches and stems may develop, which can girdle and kill branches.

Cedar Apple Rust: Cedar Apple Rust is a fungal disease that requires two hosts to complete its lifecycle: junipers (cedars) and apples (or crabapples). The fungus Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae causes it.

Symptoms:

• Orange Spots on Leaves: Bright orange spots appear on the leaves of apple trees.

• Galls on Junipers: Junipers develop reddish-brown galls that can produce orange, jelly-like tendrils in wet conditions.

Role of Tree Surgeons

Tree surgeons, also known as arborists, are professionals trained in the art and science of planting, caring for, and maintaining trees. They play a critical role in diagnosing and treating tree diseases. Here’s how tree surgeons can help:

Diagnosis: Tree surgeons are skilled in identifying symptoms of tree diseases. They can accurately diagnose the issue based on visible symptoms and, if necessary, laboratory testing.

Treatment: Once a disease is diagnosed, tree surgeons can prescribe and implement appropriate treatments. This may include:

• Pruning: Removing infected branches to prevent the spread of disease.

• Fungicide Application: Applying chemical treatments to combat fungal infections.

• Cultural Practises: Advising on proper watering, fertilisation, and site conditions to improve tree health.

Prevention: Prevention is always better than cure. Tree surgeons can provide valuable advice on preventing tree diseases, including:

• Proper Planting: Ensuring trees are planted in suitable locations with adequate space.

• Regular Inspections: Conducting regular health inspections to catch early signs of disease.

• Sanitation: Keeping the area around trees clean and removing fallen leaves and debris that can harbour pathogens.

Emergency Response: In cases where trees pose a risk to property or people due to severe disease, tree surgeons can safely remove the tree. This prevents potential accidents and ensures safety.

Conclusion

Understanding the common types and symptoms of tree disease is essential for maintaining healthy trees. Tree surgeons play a vital role in this process, offering expertise in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. If you suspect your tree may be suffering from a disease, consulting a tree surgeon can be the best course of action. Their professional skills ensure that your trees receive the care they need to continue providing environmental benefits for years to come.

By being vigilant and proactive, you can help protect your trees from the many diseases that threaten them, ensuring that they remain robust and healthy parts of your landscape.