An unhealthy tree can have a significant impact on your landscaping. Disease can even make a tree unsafe and increase the chances that it could fall and damage your home. There are many different diseases that can impact trees, which is one of the reasons it is important to work with a landscaping company with arborists on staff. Arborists are specially trained in tree health and maintenance and can help to manage the trees on your property. One of the diseases that can affect your trees is canker disease. Here is a closer look at what the disease is and how you can prevent it.
Tree Canker Disease 101
Tree canker disease occurs when blisters appear on the bark, trunk, or branches of a tree. They are usually oval in shape and can vary dramatically in size. Typically, the blisters have a sunken center with swelling around them. Canker disease can be caused by a variety of different pathogens that enter the bark tissue, including various fungi and bacteria. The infection can then spread throughout the tree, causing more cankers to form.
Common Causes
For the bacteria or fungi that cause canker disease to access the bark tissue, there has to be a stressor that causes wounds in the bark. Some of these stressors include extreme temperatures, excessive water or dryness, high winds, and hail. Soil compaction and lack of nutrients can also play a role, as can improper planting. Sometimes, damage caused by poor pruning or animals can also cause a vulnerability that will create an opening for tree canker disease.
Prevention
Proper tree care is the key to preventing canker disease. Always allow a professional arborist handle the pruning and other tree maintenance necessary to keep your trees healthy. Avoid over-fertilizing the soil. If you see cankers on a tree, call an arborist rather than trying to cut the diseased area out.
Complete Landscaping is proud to have certified arborists on staff to keep our clients’ trees in top condition. For assistance with landscaping and tree care in Tucson, call (520) 323-8918.