Trees are living things, so that means that they can get “sick” just like humans and animals. A disease or other tree problem may take a little while to show itself due to the sheer size of the tree, and once you identify a symptom, it could be too late to save the tree.
A professional arborist from NV 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 arborist prevent a tree from dying, but they can also help trees get healthier growth and more flowers or fruit with professional tree pruning.
Have you noticed a tree on your lawn that has always seemed OK but suddenly looks like something is wrong? In the next paragraphs, we’ll explain some of the most typical tree problems and diseases and what these symptoms mean for a tree.
If you see 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 common issues encountered by certified arborists in Nevada. The moment you think one of these things could be wrong with your tree, contact someone with the knowledge and equipment to help!
Tree Diseases
Leaf Rust – Leaf rust is actually a fungus that is very common in both plants and trees. The name originates from the brown and yellow spots this disease creates 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 diseased leaves. It may be necessary to cut off whole branches with leaf rust.
Witches’ Broom – This common disease creates a large mass of twigs, dead leaves and branches that resemble a broom shape. It is caused by pests, unusually rainy weather or fungus. The construction of a clump of leaves and twigs is the tree’s reaction to infection or harm.
Some instances of Witches’ Broom are deadly for the tree, while others are only considered a growth malformation. A tree care professional can diagnose the problem.
Mildew – Mildew is a type of fungus that grows on just about anything in wet conditions, but even when the wet conditions are over with, mildew can persist and thrive. Mildew usually appears as a powdery texture, usually white, and it often grows on the leaves of a tree first.
The the best method for treating mildew is to apply a fungicide that contains sulfur. This will remove the current mildew and help to stop future mildew growth on the tree. You might also need to prune the tree to remove branches, fruit, flowers and leaves that have been affected by the mildew
Gall – Gall is a type of tree condition that appears when pests or rodents build small nests on the leaves or branches of a tree to lay their eggs in. Most galls are not dangerous for the tree, but none of them are attractive.
Gall will appear as bumps on the tree, in varying sizes. They are often white, brown, gray or some shade in between.
You do not have to treat the tree for galls, but they can affect the growth of young trees. Treat galls by killing the insects. You should also clean out from under the tree after the leaves fall off, because this is where the insects survive during winter months.
Other Tree Problems
Incorrect Pruning – There’s an art to tree pruning, as well as many types, and if you don’t know how to do it, you could harm the tree beyond recovery. Consider the type of tree, season and other factors. Under-pruning (or a lack of pruning at all) is just as big of an issue. Only a trained arborist should be trusted to prune trees to keep them healthy.
Lack of Water – Young trees can be significantly affected by drought. If you plant new trees, you will need to supplement how much water they get from rainfall. A tree that is not getting enough water can have its growth inhibited. The first sign you are likely to see is scorched, dry leaves. Find more tips for new trees here.
Too Much Sun – Do your research before planting trees in a sunny area of your property. Many species 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 a lot of sun needs even more water to prevent wilting, drooping leaves.
Certified Arborist Services in Nevada
A certified arborist from NV Tree Trimming will quickly diagnose what’s going on with your sick tree and lay out a plan to rescue it if at all possible.
Here is what an arborist is trained to do:
- Evaluate trees from below and from the branches of the tree if possible. Climbing into the canopy is usually necessary to see exactly what is causing the symptoms.
- Treat your tree through additives and fertilizers in the soil or solutions sprayed on the leaves. This person will have expert knowledge about the disease affecting your tree and the best treatments.
- Trim tree limbs to remove dead or diseased 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 disease and the pruning process.
- Remove the tree from your property if nothing can be done to save it. The worst case is that the tree is too far gone, and cutting it down is the best choice to protect your property and surrounding landscape.
They can also inform you about the trees that you have om your property and how to best maintain them so you don’t return to the same situation again.
Many tree problems look very similar to one another, requiring a professional opinion to correctly diagnose and treat the issue. If your trees appear to be dry, unhealthy or disfigured, call a professional arborist from NV Tree Trimming for an inspection before it’s too late for your tree.
