Tree diseases not only impact the aesthetics of your trees, but they can also damage the integrity of the tree, putting your property and your family at risk. If tree diseases are allowed to progress, it may even become necessary to remove the tree from your property. Your landscaping company should keep an eye on your trees during their maintenance visits, but it can also be helpful for you to recognize the signs of common tree diseases. Here are some of the things you can look out for in your trees. 

Anthracnose

Anthracnose is one of the most common diseases in trees. In addition to affecting different tree species, it can impact shrubs as well. The symptoms of anthracnose vary depending on the variety of tree being affected, but in most cases, premature defoliation and twig blight occur. The type of twig blight that is common with anthracnose is called “witch’s broom,” because it causes growth to cluster in one area, giving the impression of a broom. As stated, anthracnose can impact many tree varieties, but you should be especially aware of its effects if you have a sycamore or dogwood tree. 

Thousand Canker Disease

With this disease, small, dead sections of bark appear along the trunk and branches. The dead bark looks like small cankers. This disease is spread from tree to tree by twig beetles, and unless you are carefully monitoring your trees, it can spread undetected until the tree is severely diseased. In addition to keeping an eye out for cankers on your trees, keep an eye on the foliage at the very top, which may become wilted and yellow in the early stages of the disease. 

Powdery Mildew Disease

Powdery mildew disease is a fungal infection that causes a white, powder-like substance to grow on the leaves and bark of trees. The fungus can cause leaves to become deformed, and eventually, the infected parts of the tree will turn brown and dry. The fungal spores from this disease can easily spread on the wind, so catching an infection early will help to protect the rest of your landscaping. 

Complete Landscaping has an on-staff arborist specifically to ensure that our clients’ trees stay healthy. For landscaping maintenance and tree services in Tucson, call us at (520) 323-8918.