Common Tree Diseases that Affect Your Garden

Fancy Tree Care • May 25, 2023

Trees are the planet's longest-living organisms and valuable natural resources. Like other living things, trees rely on light, water, air, and nutrients for survival. Moreover, just like any living being, trees can be affected by pests and diseases influenced by weather and environmental conditions. However, since trees cannot express their pain, we must identify and treat diseases promptly to prevent irreversible harm. Diseased trees not only represent a loss but can also pose potential hazards. When an entire tree is weakened by illness, it becomes more vulnerable to severe weather conditions.

9 Tree Diseases Any Green Thumb Must Know

If you notice leaf spots or unusual markings on your tree branches, bark or maybe a root rot, don't panic. Join us on an enlightening journey as we explore the often-hidden world of tree diseases.

Anthracnose

Anthracnose is a common fungal disease that affects a wide range of trees, including oak trees. It is caused by various species of fungi in the genera Apiognomonia, Discula, and others. This is one of the most common hardwood leaf diseases. Infected tes as usually seen with lesions on leaves, twigs, and sometimes fruits. The signs and symptoms of anthracnose on trees differ based on the affected tree. It doesn't have a fixed symptom for all tree types but differs in various trees. However, this tree disease begins with small, water-soaked lesions that swell and turn black or brown.

Annosum Root Rot

Annosum Root Rot is one of the most common tree diseases that affect many pine species. It is a destructive fungal disease that affects various coniferous tree species. This Root Rot disease class is caused by the fungus Heterobasidion annosum, which spreads through root-to-root contact or spores. Annosum root rot primarily affects coniferous trees, including pine, spruce, fir, and hemlock species. It is particularly prevalent in older or stressed trees but can infect younger trees. Infected trees may develop thinning foliage, reduced growth, and many more. Moreover, Annosum root rot can lead to significant tree mortality and economic losses in forest ecosystems.

Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease affecting many trees, including ornaments, vegetables, shrubs, etc. This is a common disease to be wary when planting trees. It forms white, powdery patches on the surface of leaves, twigs, and branches, and over time, the patches can expand and merge, covering larger areas.



Severe infections can lead to defoliation and death of infected branches. This can sometimes be observed in dying branches.

Pine Needle Diseases

Rust diseases caused by fungi such as Coleosporium or Cronartium species produce spore-producing structures on the surface of infected needles. Pine diseases can cause significant damage to pine trees by affecting the health and appearance of their needles. Infected needles may turn yellow, brown, or reddish-brown due to rust pustules. Besides, in severe cases, infected needles may prematurely drop from the tree. Other pine diseases include pine root diseases.

Rusts

Rust is a fungal disease that commonly affects the leaves of various hardwood species. Although leaf rust is frequent, it is usually not a severe threat. The presence of yellow spots on the upper surface of the leaves characterizes it. Upon closer inspection, small yellow-orange bumps filled with powdery spores can be observed on the leaves. Rust infestations, similar to leaf spots, typically become noticeable in the late summer months, around mid to late August. The main impact of rust on trees is early defoliation, which can hinder their growth. Certain hardwood species like poplars and cottonwoods are susceptible to Melampsora rust, but resistant varieties have been developed. Most rust fungi have alternate hosts as part of their life cycle. Rust can affect various hardwood trees, including cottonwood, poplar, willow, oak, ash, birch, maple, and plum.

Blight

Blight is a notable condition characterized by plant tissue's rapid and complete death, including leaves, stems, and flowers. It is often triggered by prolonged periods of wet and humid conditions, which create an ideal environment for disease development. One common type of blight is fire blight, which is caused by a bacterial infection. Fire blight specifically leads to the dieback of twigs and branches.



Fire blight, caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora, primarily affects plants in the Rosaceae family, including fruit trees such as apple, pear, and quince, as well as ornamental plants like mountain ash, hawthorn and cotoneaster. The bacteria can enter plants through natural openings or wounds, spreading within the plant's vascular system, causing necrosis and wilting of the affected tissues. Fire blight can be identified in plants or trees when symptoms like wilting, blackening, and shrivelling of blossoms, shoots, and branches are seen. Moreover, during humid weather conditions, bacterial ooze may be visible in infected areas, and insects can contribute to the spread of the bacteria from tree to tree.

Oak Wilt

Oak Wilt is a disease that can harm your beloved oak tree and ruin your planting effort. While planting trees is always a fulfilling experience, knowing the risks is essential. Oak Wilt is a fungal disease that disrupts the water-conducting system of oak trees, leading to wilt and eventual death. It may sound grim, but there's hope. By knowing the early signs and taking preventive measures (such as pruning in the dormant season), you can safeguard your oak tree and ensure it will thrive for generations.

Sooty mould

Sooty mould is a fungus that can affect plants infested with high numbers of sucking insects or growing beneath such plants. This term encompasses several species of fungi or moulds that utilize the honeydew, a sugary substance secreted by sucking insects, as a nutrient source for their development and growth. While sooty mould typically doesn't harm the plant, it can significantly frustrate homeowners, affecting various surfaces beneath the infested trees, including hardscapes, vehicles, and structures.

About Fancy Tree Care

Fancy Tree Care is the best tree-planting company servicing Albury and Wodonga area. We treat your plants like our own. We offer free consultations to help you choose the perfect tree and location. Once you've selected, we handle everything from nourishing and planting to watering. Count on us for exceptional care of your new landscape and tree disease treatments. Call now to schedule a free appointment!

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