What Are Some Common Tree Diseases?

Successful tree care serving Atlanta involves regular tree trimming and tree pruning. Additionally, you should be able to recognize signs of disease on your trees to keep them healthy and attractive. Some tree conditions can result in mild disfiguration while others can lead to tree death. The following are a few common diseases that can affect your trees, even with proper tree trimming and pruning:

Powdery Mildew

The result of a number of fungal pathogens, powdery mildew grows on the surface of affected plants, and can be found on a broad range of trees in North America. Powdery mildew can cause leaves, flowers, and shoots to grow abnormally, and can stunt the growth of young trees. To prevent this disease, select fungus-resistant tree varieties and avoid planting in shady or crowded areas.

Oak Wilt

One of the more severe diseases that affects trees, oak wilt is a systemic fungal condition that can kill infected plants. Oak wilt can affect many tree species and is spread by beetles and infected grafts. Early symptoms include premature defoliation, rapid leaf discoloration, and yellowed leaf veins. Some tree species respond to treatments, but those in the red oak family do not. As a preventative measure, inject susceptible trees with a systemic fungicide during the growing season.

Apple Scab

An early season leaf disease that affects crabapple trees, apple scab shows up in the form of scab-like lesions on leaves. This condition is mostly an aesthetic problem, but can also lead to premature defoliation in affected trees. Tree care for plants infected with apple scab should begin with fungicidal treatments.

Lethal Yellow of Palm

Typically affecting palms in Florida and Texas, lethal yellow of palm is caused by phytoplasma transmitted by planthopper insects. Symptoms include premature fruit dropping, yellowing foliage, and flower death. Left untreated, an infected palm will usually die within five months. Using insecticides to prevent transmission of lethal yellow of palm is an effective prevention method, and infected trees sometimes respond to antibiotic injections.