Tree Healthcare
Assessment by Arborist for diseases
Ash trees aren’t the only trees that require care and protection. All tree species need expert attention now and then, especially in odd weather conditions like very wet or very dry seasons.
Are you worried about your tree’s health? Have you noticed any unusual fungus’s, spots, etc.?
Symptoms, such as discolored leaves, dead branches, or early leaf drop, can prompt a call to a local arborist. Sometimes the cause of concern is a minor problem that is easily explained and corrected. Other times, the problem is more complex, with several underlying causes and a remedy that requires treatments extending over several years.
Give us a call at: (920) 740-9790 and we can assess your tree for your first free tree visit. We have an experienced and very educated Tree Health Care specialist who can assess the tree’s condition and advise the best treatment.
All plants are bedded in a common resource: the soil. The roots of trees, shrubs, turfgrass, and bedding plants intermingle and compete for water and nutrients. The care of each plant in a landscape can affect the health of every plant in that landscape.
Caring for trees, particularly majestic species like oaks and maples, is essential to maintaining their health and ensuring their longevity. Trees are susceptible to a variety of maladies, many of which, if left untreated, can lead to significant damage or even death. Understanding the threats that commonly affect these trees allows homeowners and arborists to take proactive steps in their care.
Oak Tree Issues
Oaks, known for their strength and beauty, can fall victim to several diseases. One of the most notorious is oak wilt, a fungal disease that blocks the tree’s ability to transport water. This disease spreads through the tree’s vascular system, causing wilting, leaf discoloration, and eventual death if not treated early. Red oaks are particularly susceptible, and once infected, they can die within a season. The fungus spreads through root grafts or by beetles that carry it from tree to tree, making it essential to prevent wounding during peak beetle activity in the spring and summer.
Another common issue for oaks is bacterial leaf scorch, caused by a bacterium that clogs the tree’s water-conducting vessels. Affected trees will show browning leaves with a distinct border between dead and living tissue. While bacterial leaf scorch doesn’t usually kill trees quickly, it weakens them over time, leading to a slow decline.
Maple Tree Problems
Maples, prized for their vibrant fall colors and sturdy wood, also face several health challenges. One of the most prevalent is tar spot, a fungal disease that causes black, tar-like spots to form on the leaves. Though unsightly, tar spot rarely causes serious harm. However, repeated infections can weaken the tree over time, reducing its vigor.
Verticillium wilt is another significant concern for maples. This soil-borne fungal disease affects the tree’s vascular system, causing wilting, yellowing leaves, and branch dieback. Once infected, trees struggle to transport water and nutrients, leading to gradual decline. There is no cure for Verticillium wilt, so prevention through proper watering, mulching, and pruning is crucial.
Dutch Elm Disease
Dutch elm disease is a devastating fungal infection that affects elm trees, first identified in the Netherlands in the 1920s. The disease spreads through bark beetles or root grafts between nearby trees, entering the tree’s vascular system. Once inside, the fungus blocks water flow, causing leaves to wilt, turn yellow, and eventually fall off. As the infection progresses, the tree’s branches die, and if left untreated, the entire tree will succumb within a few seasons. Dutch elm disease wiped out millions of elms across Europe and North America, making it one of the most destructive tree diseases in history.
General Tree Care
To protect oaks, maples, and other trees from these diseases, maintaining proper care is vital. Regular watering, especially during dry periods, helps trees stay healthy and better able to resist diseases. Mulching around the base of the tree conserves moisture and protects the roots, while proper pruning techniques prevent wounds that can invite infection.
Monitoring trees for early signs of disease—such as leaf discoloration, dieback, or abnormal growth—is critical. Treating fungal diseases often requires fungicide applications and, in some cases, removing severely affected trees to prevent the spread of infection to healthy ones.
With diligent care and attention, oak, maple, and other trees can thrive and continue to add beauty to their surroundings for generations.