Trees are living things, so that means that they can get “sick” just like people and animals can. A disease or other tree problem might take a little while to show up due to the overall size of the tree, and once symptoms become obvious, it could be too late to save the tree.
A professional arborist from MN Tree Trimming can diagnose and treat common tree issues so that there is a much greater chance of keeping the tree. Learn about our service here. Not only can an arborist help to prevent a tree from dying, but they can also help trees get more healthy growth and more flowers or fruit with professional tree trimming.
Have you ever noticed a tree on your lawn that has always seemed OK but all of the sudden seems like something is wrong? In the next section, we’ll describe some of the most common tree issues and what these symptoms mean.
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 nearby it.
Tree Diseases & Common Problems
These 7 things are the most common issues encountered by experienced arborists in Minnesota. The moment you think one of these things is wrong with your tree, contact someone with the knowledge and equipment to help!
Tree Diseases
Leaf Rust – Leaf rust is a fungus that is very common in both plants and trees. The name originates from the yellow and brown spots this disease causes on the leaves.
Leaf rust is bad because it interferes with the leaves’ photosynthesis, the process by which it breathes. Leaf rust can be tended to with fungicides and selective tree pruning of the diseased leaves. It might be necessary to cut off whole branches with leaf rust.
Witches’ Broom – This common disease creates a large grouping of twigs, dead leaves and branches that form a a broom shape. It is caused by insects, unusually wet weather or fungus. The formation 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 simply considered a growth malformation. An arborist can diagnose the issue.
Mildew – Mildew is a fungus that grows on almost anything in wet conditions, but even after the moist conditions are over with, mildew can remain and thrive. Mildew usually appears as a powdery texture, usually white, and it usually appears on the leaves of a tree first.
The the best method for treating mildew is to apply a fungicide that includes sulfur. This will remove the current mildew and help to prevent future mildew growth on the tree. You might also need to trim the tree to remove limbs, fruit, flowers and any leaves that were affected by the mildew
Gall – Gall is a tree condition that happens when pests or rodents build small nests on the leaves or branches of a tree to leave their eggs in. Most galls are not harmful to the tree, but they are not attractive.
Gall appears as as bumps on the tree, in various 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 affect 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 live during winter.
Other Tree Problems
Incorrect Trimming – There’s a discipline 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 a lack of pruning at all) is just as big of an issue. Only an experienced arborist should be trusted to trim trees in order to keep them healthy.
Lack of Water – Young trees can be severely impacted by drought. If you plant new trees on your property, you will probably have to supplement how much water they get from rainfall. A tree that is not getting 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 your planning before planting trees in a sunny area of your property. Most species of trees can handle it without issue, 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 fight against wilting, drooping leaves.
Certified Arborist Services in Minnesota
An experienced arborist from MN Tree Trimming will quickly identify what’s happening with your sick tree and lay out a plan to save it.
Here is what an arborist is trained to do:
- Review trees from below and from the branches of the tree if possible. Climbing into the canopy is typically necessary to see exactly what is creating the symptoms.
- Treat your tree with fertilizers and additives in the soil or products sprayed on the leaves. This person will have knowledge about the disease affecting your tree and the best treatments.
- Trim tree limbs to get rid of dead or diseased branches and to help healthy growth. Even if heavy trimming is necessary, they will know how to remove branches so that the tree can survive both the problem and the trimming process.
- Remove the tree from your lawn if there is no chance to save it. The worst case scenario is that the tree is dying, and removing it is the only choice to protect your property and surrounding landscape.
They can also inform you about the other trees that you have and how to best care for them so you don’t find yourself in the same situation again.
Some tree issues look very similar to each other, requiring a professional eye to correctly determine and treat the issue. If your trees are looking dry, unhealthy or disfigured, call a certified arborist from MN Tree Trimming for an inspection before it’s too late for your tree.
