Trees are living things, so it stands to reason that they can get “sick” just like humans and animals. A disease or other tree issue might take a while to show up because of the overall size of the tree, and once you notice a symptom, it could be too late to revive the tree.
A professional arborist from NE Tree Trimming can diagnose and treat tree issues so that you have a much greater chance of saving the tree. Learn about our service here. Not only can an experienced arborist prevent a tree from dying, but they are also able to help trees get more healthy growth and more flowers or fruit with professional tree pruning.
Have you ever noticed a tree on your property that has always seemed healthy but suddenly looks like something is wrong? In the next section, we’ll explain some of the most typical tree issues and what these symptoms mean for a tree.
If you notice any of these things, act fast to have the best chance of saving the tree and the ones nearby it.
Tree Diseases & Common Problems
These 7 things are the most common issues addressed by certified arborists in Nebraska. Once you think one of these things could be wrong with your tree, reach out to someone with the knowledge and tools to help!
Tree Diseases
Leaf Rust – Leaf rust is actually a fungus that is very common in both plants and trees. The name originates from the yellow and brown spots this disease creates on the leaves.
Leaf rust is a problem because it interferes with the leaves’ photosynthesis, the process by which it breathes. Leaf rust can be tended to with fungicides and selective tree trimming of the diseased leaves. It could be recommended to cut off whole limbs with leaf rust.
Witches’ Broom – This disease results in a large clump of twigs, dead leaves and branches that form a a broom shape. It is caused by insects, unusually rainy weather or fungus. The construction of a clump of twigs and leaves is the tree’s reaction to infection or harm.
Some cases of Witches’ Broom are fatal for the tree, others are simply considered a growth malformation. An arborist can tell you for sure.
Mildew – Mildew is a fungus that grows on almost anything in wet conditions, but even when the moist conditions are gone, mildew can persist and thrive. Mildew appears as a powdery substance, typically white, and it usually shows up on the leaves of the tree first.
The the best method for eliminating mildew is to use a fungicide that includes sulfur. This will remove the current mildew and help to stop future mildew on the tree. You may 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 tree disease that happens when insects build small nests on the leaves or branches of a tree to leave their eggs in. Most types of galls are not dangerous for the tree, but none of them are attractive.
Gall will appear as bumps on the tree, in various sizes. They are often white, brown, gray or some shade in between.
It is not necessary to treat the tree if there are galls, but they can affect the growth of new trees. Treat galls by killing the insects. You should also clean out from under the tree when the leaves fall off, because this is where the insects live during winter.
Other Tree Problems
Improper Trimming – There’s an art to tree pruning, as well as many types, and if you aren’t sure how to do it, you could harm the tree beyond recovery. Consider the type of tree, season and other factors. Under-pruning (or a lack of pruning at all) is just as big of an issue. Only an experienced arborist should be trusted to prune trees in order to keep them healthy.
Lack of Water – New trees can be severely affected by drought. If you plant new trees on your property, you will probably have to supplement how much water they get from rainfall. A tree that is not getting enough water will have its growth stunted. The first symptom you are likely to see is scorched or dry leaves. Find more tips for new trees here.
Too Much Sun – Do your research before planting trees in a sunny area of your property. Most species 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 an extended period of time and rainfall is light. A tree that is getting excessive sun needs even more water to fight against wilting, drooping leaves.
Certified Arborist Services in Nebraska
A certified arborist from NE Tree Trimming will be able to quickly diagnose what’s happening with your sick tree and formulate a plan to save it.
Here are the things an arborist is trained to do:
- Inspect trees from below and from the limbs of the tree if necessary. Getting into the canopy is usually necessary to identify exactly what is creating the symptoms.
- Treat your tree with fertilizers and additives in the soil or products applied to the leaves. This person will have knowledge about the disease affecting your tree and the best treatments for it.
- Prune tree limbs to eliminate dead or damaged branches and to assist healthy growth. Even if heavy pruning is needed, they will know how to remove branches so that the tree can survive both the issue and the trimming.
- Remove the tree from your lawn if nothing can be done to save it. The worst case scenario is that the tree is dying, and cutting it down is the only choice to protect your home and surrounding landscape.
Arborists can also inform you about the trees that you have and how to best maintain them so you don’t find yourself in the same situation again.
Many tree diseases look very similar to each other, requiring a professional opinion to correctly determine and treat the issue. If your trees are looking dry, unhealthy or disfigured, call a professional arborist from NE Tree Trimming for an inspection before it’s too late.
