Tree Disease Treatments

Trees are vulnerable to disease, just like any other living thing. As a homeowner, it is incumbent on you to pay close attention to your trees’ health to stay clued to when a tree disease treatment may become necessary. Diseased trees are an eyesore, but they can also be dangerous. Diseased trees can easily succumb to severe weather. Some tree diseases are also contagious. Avoiding property damage from a falling tree or the possibility of an infection that spreads through your yard are two prime reasons to stay on top of tree healthcare. Tree disease treatment can help cure unsightly trees and return them to their full potential.

Thankfully, preventing and treating the most common tree diseases is not an impossible task—but it is one that often requires an expert eye. Tree diseases can be challenging to correctly identify, and some chemical treatments require professional application. The expert arborists at Prestige Tree Experts have a wealth of knowledge about the trees and tree diseases of the Mid-Atlantic region. With a range of services from stump grinding to chemical application services in Maryland, you can be sure your trees and property are in good hands. Call 240.219.5676 or contact us online today to learn more about our tree disease treatment options.

Why Do Trees Get Diseases?

Tree diseases are caused by a number of factors, including environmental stressors such as temperature extremes, nutrient deficiencies, and drought. These conditions can weaken a tree’s natural defenses and make it more susceptible to infection. Additionally, certain pests and pathogens can cause tree diseases. Pests like borers and aphids can damage the vascular system, causing the tree to become deprived of essential nutrients and prone to infection. Fungi, bacteria, and viruses can also cause disease by invading a tree directly or through wounds.

By identifying and treating tree diseases early on, you can help protect your trees from further damage. However, some diseases may be difficult to identify or manage on your own. Contacting certified arborists can provide insight and professional treatment options.

Disease Treatment for Trees with Different Diseases

The landscaping market is flooded with tree disease treatments. That can make your job as a homeowner tricky. How do you know which intervention to use and when it is best to use it? Perhaps the easiest way to wrap your head around tree disease treatments is to go through some common diseases you are likely to encounter and how to remediate them.

Anthracnose

Anthracnose is a common ailment found in trees throughout the United States. Sycamore and ash trees are most in danger. It targets the foliage, flowers, and fruit of any tree it infects. Unseasonal leaf drop and hyper-dense shoot growth are two signs of an anthracnose infection. The first line of defense is to remove any dead branches or areas of infection. A more robust tree disease treatment for persistent anthracnose is the application of a copper-based fungicide.

Apple Scab

Apple scab impacts all apple tree varieties, causing scabs to form on leaves and fruit. While not dangerous, it is quite ugly. If left untreated, it can cause a tree to lose the majority of its leaves, which in turn opens the door to subsequent, more catastrophic disease. Removing dead or damaged foliage is the primary method of containment. Applying a fungicide in the spring can help any new growth avoid getting apple scab.

Canker Diseases

Canker diseases result from fungal or bacterial infection. They can cause structural insecurities that leave branches in danger of snapping off or breaking, particularly under the threat of severe weather. Again, the best tree disease treatment is prevention by eliminating branches and twigs that appear infected. Avoid pruning in damp or rainy weather as the presence of more moisture can promote fungus spread. Large cankers on or near the trunk of a tree may need a more intensive tree disease treatment, such as a chemical intervention. If that’s the case, contact a local tree expert to discuss your options.

Needle Blight

Needle blight targets pine trees. It causes needles to turn brown and fall off prematurely. This is one of the more severe tree diseases since doing nothing can ultimately cause the tree’s death. Once needle blight sets in, the best tree disease treatment is a copper-based fungicide. Apply this in the spring and when new growth is fully developed.

Fire Blight

Fire blight is another disease that targets apple trees. It can also affect pear trees. Fire blight eats away at the blossoms first and can result in the development of cankers over time. One potential tree disease treatment in response to fire blight is a bacterial spray that prevents the spread and helps to kill off the infection.

Each of these diseases requires specific knowledge and treatments to effectively manage them. The Prestige Tree Experts team is experienced in managing tree healthcare in the Mid-Atlantic area, including treating common diseases with a wide range of specialized techniques.

Types Of Chemical Applications

There are two main types of chemical applications to help treat unhealthy trees. Using a variety of chemical disease treatments, certified arborists often use:

Micro-Injections

Certified arborists will inject a tiny amount of chemical treatment directly into the tree. From there, the sap moving throughout the trunk and branches will deliver the chemicals to the affected areas in order to treat the disease.

Spray Applications

Treating tree diseases with home sprays can be harmful to the environment and is often unnecessary. A certified arborist can correctly identify when a spray treatment is needed and apply the chemicals in a safe manner that is isolated to the affected trees.

Are you unsure of the best course of action for your trees’ healthcare? Let Prestige Tree Experts lend a guiding hand. Our certified arborists can help you identify tree diseases and determine the best treatments for your property.

Why Hire a Certified Arborist?

Hiring a certified arborist for tree disease treatment is an investment in the long-term health and sustainability of your green spaces. Arborists are experts in tree care, armed with deep knowledge of tree diseases and the most effective treatment options. They can identify signs of disease early on, enabling prompt intervention to prevent further harm. Arborists also have the right tools and equipment to safely handle chemical treatments, ensuring minimal impact on the environment.

Furthermore, they provide valuable advice on preventive measures, helping to keep your trees disease-free in the future. Not only does this result in healthier, more vibrant trees, but it can also enhance the overall aesthetic and value of your property. Thus, hiring a certified arborist is a strategic move toward maintaining the beauty and integrity of your outdoor spaces.