Trees are living organisms, so that means that they can become “sick” just like humans and animals can. A disease or other tree problem may take a while to show appear due to the overall size of the tree, and once symptoms become obvious, it could be too late to revive the tree.
A professional arborist from CT Tree Trimming can identify and treat common tree problems so that there is a much greater chance of saving the tree. Learn about our service here. Not only can an experienced arborist stop a tree from dying, but they can also help trees get more healthy growth and more flowers or fruit.
Have you noticed a tree on your lawn that has always seemed OK but all of the sudden looks like something is wrong? In the next section, we’ll describe some of the most typical tree issues and what these symptoms mean for a tree.
If you notice any of these things on any of your trees, act fast to have the best chance of saving the tree and the ones around it.
Tree Diseases & Common Problems
These 7 things are the most typical issues encountered by certified arborists in Connecticut. The moment you think one of these things is wrong with your tree, call someone with the training and tools to help!
Tree Diseases
Leaf Rust – Leaf rust is a fungus that is very common in both trees and plants. The name comes from the yellow and brown spots this disease creates on the leaves.
Leaf rust is bad because it inhibits the leaves’ photosynthesis, the process by which it breathes. Leaf rust can be tended to with fungicides and selective tree trimming of the affected leaves. It might be recommended to remove whole limbs with leaf rust.
Witches’ Broom – This tree disease creates a large clump of twigs, dead leaves and branches that look like a broom shape. It is caused by pests, unusually wet 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 deadly for the tree, others are just considered a growth malformation. A tree care specialist can tell you for sure.
Mildew – Mildew is a fungus that grows on just about anything in wet conditions, but even after the wet conditions are gone, mildew can persist and thrive. Mildew appears as a powdery texture, usually white, and it often shows up on the leaves of a tree first.
The the best method for eliminating mildew is to apply a fungicide that contains sulfur. This will treat the existing mildew and prevent future mildew on the tree. You might also need to trim the tree to remove limbs, fruit, flowers and leaves that have been affected by the mildew
Gall – Gall is a tree disease that happens when pests or rodents build small nests on the leaves or branches of a tree to lay their eggs in. Most types of galls are not harmful to the tree, but none of them are attractive.
Gall will appear as bumps on the tree, in a range of sizes. They can be white, brown, gray or some color in between.
You do not have to treat the tree for galls, but they can limit the growth of recently planted trees. Treat galls by killing the pests. You should also clean out from under the tree when the leaves fall off, because this is where the insects survive during winter.
Other Tree Problems
Poor Pruning – There’s a science to tree pruning, as well as many types, and if you don’t know how to do it, you could damage the tree past the point of recovery. Consider the type of tree, season and other factors. Under-pruning (or not pruning at all) can be 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 significantly affected by drought. If you want to plant new trees, you will probably have to supplement the amount of water they get from rainfall. A tree that doesn’t get enough water will 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 some research before planting trees in a full-sun area of your property. Many types of trees can handle it just fine, but too much sun can become a problem for 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 extra water to fight against wilting, drooping leaves.
Certified Arborist Services in Connecticut
An experienced arborist from CT Tree Trimming will be able to quickly diagnose what’s going on with your sick tree and formulate a plan to rescue it.
Here are the things an arborist is qualified to do:
- Inspect trees from below and from the limbs of the tree if possible. Getting into the canopy is typically necessary to identify exactly what is creating the symptoms.
- Treat your tree with additives and fertilizers in the soil or products sprayed on the leaves. The arborist will have knowledge about the disease impacting the tree and the most effective treatments for it.
- Prune tree limbs to remove dead or damaged branches and to help healthy growth. Even if heavy pruning is needed, they will know how to cut off branches so that the tree can survive both the issue and the trimming.
- Remove the tree from your yard if there is no chance to save it. The worst case is that the tree is dying, and removing it is the only way to protect your property and surrounding landscape.
Arborists can also inform you about the trees that you have om your property and how to best maintain them so you don’t find yourself in the same situation in the future.
Many tree problems look similar to each other, requiring an expert eye to correctly identify and correct the issue. If your trees are looking dry, disfigured or dying, call a professional arborist from CT Tree Trimming for an inspection before it’s too late.
