Trees are living organisms, so that means that they can become “sick” like people and animals can. A disease or other tree problem might take a while to show appear due to the sheer size of the tree, and once you see a symptom, it could be too late to save the tree.
A certified arborist from SD Tree Trimming can help you identify and treat tree issues so that you have a much greater chance of keeping the tree. Learn about our service here. Not only can an arborist keep a tree from dying, but they are also able to help trees get healthier growth and bloom more flowers or fruit.
Have you noticed a tree on your lawn that has always seemed healthy but suddenly seems like something is wrong? In the next paragraphs, we’ll explain some of the most typical tree issues and what these symptoms mean for a tree.
If you see any of these things on any of the trees on your property, 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 frequent problems addressed by professional arborists in South Dakota. As soon as you think one of these things might be wrong with your tree, reach out to someone with the knowledge and tools to help!
Tree Diseases
Leaf Rust – Leaf rust is a fungus that is common in both plants and trees. The name comes from the yellow and brown spots this disease produces on the leaves.
Leaf rust is bad because it prevents the leaves’ photosynthesis, the process by which it breathes. Leaf rust can be treated with fungicides and selective tree pruning of the affected leaves. It could be recommended to cut off entire limbs with leaf rust.
Witches’ Broom – This tree disease results in a large mass of twigs, dead leaves and branches that look like a broom shape. It is caused by pests, unusually rainy weather or fungus. The construction of a clump of twigs and leaves is the tree’s reaction to infection or harm.
Some instances of Witches’ Broom are fatal for the tree, others are just considered a growth malformation. An arborist can diagnose the problem.
Mildew – Mildew is a type of fungus that grows on just about anything in wet conditions, but even after the wet conditions are gone, mildew can remain and thrive. It usually appears as a powdery texture, typically white, and it often shows up on the leaves of the tree first.
The the best method for eliminating mildew is to apply a fungicide that includes sulfur. This will treat the existing mildew and prevent future mildew growth on the tree. You may also need to trim the tree to remove limbs, fruit, flowers and any leaves that have been affected by the mildew
Gall – Gall is a type of tree disease that appears when pests or rodents build small nests on the leaves or twigs of a tree to lay their eggs in. Most types of galls are not harmful to the tree, but they are not attractive.
Gall appears as as bumps on the tree, in different sizes. They can be white, brown, gray or some shade in between.
You do not have to treat the tree if there are galls, but they can limit the growth of new trees. Treat galls by killing the pests. You should also clean out from under the tree after the leaves fall off, since this is where the insects survive during winter.
Other Tree Problems
Incorrect Trimming – There’s an art to tree pruning, as well as many types, and if you aren’t sure what to do, you could harm the tree past the point of recovery. Consider the type of tree, season and other factors. Under-pruning (or not pruning at all) is just as big of an issue. Only a trained arborist should be trusted to trim trees to keep them healthy.
Lack of Water – Young trees can be severely affected by drought. If you plant new trees on your property, you will need to supplement how much water they get from rainfall. A tree that doesn’t get enough water can have its growth inhibited. The first sign you are likely to noticed is scorched, dry leaves. Find more tips for new trees here.
Too Much Sun – Do your planning before planting trees in a full-sun area. Many types of trees can handle it just fine, but too much sun can happen to 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 prevent wilting, drooping leaves.
Certified Arborist Services in South Dakota
A trained arborist from SD Tree Trimming will quickly identify what’s going on with your sick tree and put together a plan to rescue it.
Here is what an arborist is qualified to do:
- Review trees from below and from the branches of the tree if possible. Climbing into the canopy is typically necessary to identify exactly what is leading to the symptoms.
- Treat your tree with additives and fertilizers in the dirt or solutions applied to the leaves. The arborist will have expert knowledge about the disease affecting your tree and the most effective treatments.
- Trim trees to remove dead or damaged branches and to help healthy growth. Even if heavy trimming is needed, they will know how to remove branches so that the tree survives both the problem and the trimming process.
- Remove the tree from your property if nothing can be done to save it. The worst case scenario is that the tree is too far gone, and removing it is the best choice to protect your home and surrounding landscape.
They can also educate you about the other trees that you have and how to best care for them so you don’t return to the same situation again.
Many tree issues look similar to one another, requiring a professional opinion to accurately identify and correct the problem. If your trees are looking dry, disfigured or dying, call a professional arborist from SD Tree Trimming for an inspection before it’s too late for your tree.
