Trees, like humans, are susceptible to many different types of disease. Some of the most common tree diseases found in the Tucson area are caused by bacterial or fungal infection, including crown gall, fire blight, wood decay, and canker disease. Knowing how to spot the signs of a damaged or diseased tree allows you to take quick action to rectify the situation, rather than putting your landscaping or your property at risk.
Foliage Changes
The condition of a tree’s foliage is often a good indicator of the tree’s overall health. Thus, any noticeable change in foliage should be cause for concern. These changes can include dropping leaves out of season, changes in leaf coloration, and signs of leaf damage or disease, such as spots or holes.
Bark Changes
Visible changes in bark color or consistency are also a clear sign that a tree is suffering from disease. A diseased tree may develop areas of bark discoloration, as well as cracks or holes in weakened bark. Cankers are a common sign of tree disease as well; tree cankers are areas of dead bark surrounded by otherwise healthy bark, and may form as elongated or round, target-like patches.
Structural Changes
While some tree diseases cause minor or no changes in the bark or foliage, they may present other signs that something is not right. Any tree that has begun to lean unnaturally or has developed several dead or weakened branches in the recent past should be inspected by a professional to determine whether these changes are due to disease.
Are you concerned about the health of the trees on your Tucson property? Complete Landscaping provides comprehensive tree care services in addition to our landscape design and maintenance solutions. You can reach us by phone at (520) 323-8918 to find out more or schedule landscaping service, or take a look through our website to explore our services and check out our monthly blog.