If you’re a homeowner, then you know that keeping your trees healthy is essential. Not only do they add beauty to your property, but they can also provide shade and help improve the air quality. Unfortunately, trees can sometimes get sick, and it’s essential to identify the symptoms so that you can treat them properly. Sure, you can just hire a reputable tree service St. Charles MO. But if you want to treat them by yourself? Today, we will discuss some common tree diseases and how to treat them.
Anthracnose
One of the most common tree diseases is called anthracnose. This disease affects many trees, including maple, oak, and elm. Anthracnose usually appears as small, dark spots on the leaves of the affected tree. These spots eventually grow and merge, causing the leaves to turn yellow or brown and eventually fall off. If you think your tree has anthracnose, then the first thing you should do is contact a certified arborist. They will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend a course of treatment properly.
Treating anthracnose can be tricky because many different fungi can cause the disease. As such, the best way to treat it is to prevent it in the first place. You can do this by ensuring your trees are properly pruned and fertilized. Additionally, it would help to avoid wounding the tree’s bark as this can provide an entry point for the fungus.
Apple Scab
Aside from that, another common tree disease is apple scab. This disease primarily affects apples, crabapples, and quince. Apple scab appears as small, dark spots on the leaves and fruit of the affected tree. These spots eventually grow larger and turn brown or black. The leaves may also curl up or drop off prematurely. If you think your tree has an apple scab, you should contact a certified arborist. They will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend a course of treatment properly.
Canker Diseases
Canker diseases are also something that you need to look out for. These diseases affect a wide variety of trees, including maple, oak, and elm. Canker diseases usually appear as small, dark spots on the leaves of the affected tree. The symptoms can vary depending on the type of fungus, but they typically cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown and eventually fall off. You should make sure your trees are properly pruned and fertilized to prevent it. Also, be sure not to wound the tree’s bark as this can provide an entry point for the fungus.
Diplodia Tip Blight
Lastly, another common tree disease is called diplopia tip blight. These infections usually appear on trees that have experienced stress, such as drought or injury. The symptoms include browning and dying of the tips of branches and cankers on the trunk and branches. If you think your tree has diplodia tip blight, then you need to use a fungicide as soon as possible. Be sure to follow the directions on the label and apply it at the correct time of year.
Trees are essential to any property, so keeping them healthy is vital. By being aware of some of the most common tree diseases, you can be sure to treat them if they do occur properly. If you have any questions, be sure to contact a certified arborist. They will be able to help you properly care for your trees.