Trees are living organisms, so that means that they can become “sick” like people and animals can. A disease or other tree problem might take a while to show up because of the sheer size of the tree, and once you identify a symptom, it could be too late to revive the tree.
A professional arborist from KS Tree Trimming can help you diagnose and treat common tree problems so that you have a much greater chance of keeping the tree. Learn about our service here. Not only can an arborist help to prevent a tree from dying, but they can also help trees get healthier growth and bloom more flowers or fruit with professional tree trimming.
Have you noticed a tree on your lawn that has always seemed OK but suddenly looks like something is wrong? In the next section, we’ll describe some of the most common tree issues and what these symptoms mean.
If you notice 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 common issues addressed by certified arborists in Kansas. Once you think one of these things is wrong with your tree, contact someone with the training and tools to help!
Tree Diseases
Leaf Rust – Leaf rust is a fungus that is common in both trees and plants. The name originates from the yellow and brown spots this disease produces on the leaves.
Leaf rust is dangerous because it interferes with the leaves’ photosynthesis, the process by which it breathes. Leaf rust can be tended to with fungicides and selective tree pruning of the diseased leaves. It may be recommended to cut off entire branches with leaf rust.
Witches’ Broom – This common disease creates a large clump of twigs, dead leaves and branches that resemble a broom shape. It is caused by pests, unusually rainy weather or fungus. The construction of a clump of twigs and leaves is the tree’s reaction to infection or harm.
Some instances of Witches’ Broom are fatal for the tree, others are just considered a growth malformation. A tree care specialist can diagnose the problem.
Mildew – Mildew is a fungus that grows on almost anything in wet conditions, but even after the moist conditions are over with, mildew can remain and thrive. Mildew usually appears as a powdery substance, usually white, and it often appears on the leaves of the tree first.
The the best method for eliminating mildew is to apply a fungicide that includes sulfur. This will eliminate the current mildew and stop future mildew on the tree. You might also need to prune the tree to remove limbs, fruit, flowers and any leaves that have been affected by the mildew
Gall – Gall is a type of tree condition that happens when insects build small nests on the leaves or branches of a tree to lay their eggs in. Most galls are not harmful to the tree, but they are not attractive.
Gall appears as as bumps on the tree, in varying sizes. They are often white, brown, gray or some color in between.
It is not necessary to treat the tree for galls, but they can limit the growth of recently planted trees. Treat galls by killing the pests. You should also clean out from under the tree after the leaves fall off, since this is where the pests survive during winter months.
Other Tree Problems
Incorrect Trimming – There’s a discipline to tree pruning, as well as many types, and if you don’t know what to do, you could harm the tree past the point of recovery. Consider the type of tree, season and other factors. Under-pruning (or not pruning at all) is just as big of a problem. Only a certified arborist should be trusted to prune trees to keep them healthy.
Lack of Water – Young trees can be severely affected by drought. If you plant new trees, you will need to supplement the amount of water they get from rainfall. A tree that is not getting enough water can have its growth inhibited. The first sign you are likely to see is scorched or dry leaves. Find more tips for new trees here.
Too Much Sun – Do some initial research before planting trees in a full-sun area. Many types of trees can handle it without issue, but too much sun can become a problem for any tree if the sun is too hot for a long period of time and rainfall is light. A tree that is getting excessive sun needs extra water to fight against wilting, drooping leaves.
Certified Arborist Services in Kansas
An experienced arborist from KS Tree Trimming will be able to quickly identify what’s going on with your sick tree and formulate a plan to save it.
Here is what an arborist is qualified to do:
- Inspect trees from the ground and from the limbs of the tree if necessary. Getting into the canopy is typically necessary to see exactly what is causing the symptoms.
- Treat your tree with additives and fertilizers in the soil or solutions sprayed on the leaves. This person will have knowledge about the disease affecting your tree and the most effective treatments.
- Trim trees to remove dead or damaged branches and to assist healthy growth. Even if heavy pruning is needed, they will know how to cut off branches so that the tree survives both the issue and the pruning.
- Remove the tree from your lawn if there is no chance to save it. The worst case is that the tree is too far gone, and cutting it down is the only way to protect your property and surrounding landscape.
They can also educate 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.
Some tree issues look similar to one another, requiring a professional opinion to accurately diagnose and correct the issue. If your trees are looking dry, unhealthy or disfigured, call a professional arborist from KS Tree Trimming for an inspection before it’s too late for your tree.
