A Guide to Common Tree Diseases for Homeowners in Plain City, OH

As a homeowner in Plain City, Ohio, maintaining the health and beauty of your trees is essential. Trees not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property but also contribute to the environment by providing shade, improving air quality, and supporting wildlife. However, trees can be susceptible to various diseases that can compromise their health and longevity. This guide will help you identify the most common tree diseases in Plain City and provide tips on how to manage them.

1. Anthracnose

Identification

Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects many tree species, including ash, maple, oak, and sycamore. It primarily targets the leaves, causing brown or black spots that may coalesce, leading to large, necrotic areas. In severe cases, it can also affect twigs, branches, and fruit.

Signs to Look For:

• Irregular, water-soaked spots on leaves.
• Browning and curling of leaf edges.
• Premature leaf drop.
• Dieback of young twigs.

Management

• Prune and Dispose: Prune and dispose of infected twigs and branches to reduce the spread of the fungus.
• Proper Watering: Ensure proper watering practices to reduce tree stress. Water at the base to keep foliage dry.
• Fungicides: In severe cases, apply fungicides early in the season to protect new growth.

2. Dutch Elm Disease

Identification

Dutch Elm Disease (DED) is a devastating fungal disease that affects elm trees. It spreads via beetles that carry the fungus from tree to tree or through root grafts between closely planted trees.

Signs to Look For:

• Wilting and yellowing of leaves, usually starting in the upper branches.
• Brown streaks in the sapwood beneath the bark.
• Premature leaf drop.

Management

• Remove Infected Trees: Promptly remove and destroy infected trees to prevent the spread.
• Insect Control: Use insecticides to control elm bark beetles.
• Fungicidal Injections: Inject fungicides into healthy trees as a preventive measure.

3. Apple Scab

Identification

Apple scab is a fungal disease that primarily affects apple and crabapple trees. It leads to unsightly lesions on leaves and fruit, reducing both aesthetic value and fruit quality.

Signs to Look For:

• Olive-green to black velvety spots on leaves.
• Deformed and cracked fruit with scabby lesions.
• Premature leaf drop.

Management

• Sanitation: Rake and dispose of fallen leaves and fruit to reduce fungal spores.
• Resistant Varieties: Plant resistant varieties of apple and crabapple trees.
• Fungicides: Apply fungicides during the growing season to protect new growth.

4. Cedar-Apple Rust

Identification

Cedar-Apple Rust is a fungal disease requiring two hosts to complete its life cycle: apple/crabapple trees and cedar/juniper trees. It causes bright orange spots on apple leaves and fruit, and galls on cedar trees.

Signs to Look For:

• Yellow-orange spots on apple leaves that eventually turn black.
• Deformed fruit with orange lesions.
• Brown, gelatinous galls on cedar trees.

Management

• Separate Hosts: Avoid planting apple and cedar trees in close proximity.
• Prune Galls: Prune and dispose of galls on cedar trees before they release spores.
• Fungicides: Apply fungicides to apple trees during the growing season.

5. Powdery Mildew

Identification

Powdery mildew affects a wide variety of trees, including oaks, maples, and dogwoods. It appears as a white or gray powdery coating on leaves, stems, and buds.

Signs to Look For:

• White or gray powdery spots on leaves and stems.
• Distorted and stunted growth.
• Premature leaf drop.

Management

• Proper Spacing: Ensure trees are adequately spaced to improve air circulation.
• Water Management: Water trees at the base to keep foliage dry.
• Fungicides: Apply fungicides at the first sign of infection to protect new growth.

6. Verticillium Wilt

Identification

Verticillium Wilt is a soil-borne fungal disease affecting a wide range of trees, including maples, elms, and ash. It causes wilting, yellowing, and dieback of branches.

Signs to Look For:

• Wilting and yellowing of leaves, often on one side of the tree.
• Dark streaks in the wood under the bark.
• Dieback of branches.

Management

• Soil Health: Maintain healthy soil conditions with proper watering and mulching.
• Resistant Varieties: Plant tree species that are resistant to Verticillium Wilt.
• Pruning: Remove and dispose of infected branches to reduce the spread.

Professional Shrub & Tree Care in Plain City, OH

Maintaining the health of your trees requires vigilance and proactive care. Regular inspections, proper tree care practices, and timely interventions are vital to ensure that your trees remain healthy and beautiful for years to come. So whether you are having trouble identifying the disease or need help giving your ornamentals the attention they need, look no further than Land Art's tree & shrub care program. With over 50 years of local experience, our tree & shrub technicians offer year-round disease protection. With free inspections and comprehensive services, we help your trees thrive. Contact our team today to learn more!

FAQ About Tree Diseases

How Do Tree Diseases Spread?

Tree diseases can spread through various means, including:

• Insects: Some diseases, like Dutch Elm Disease, are spread by insects that carry the fungus from one tree to another.
• Spores: Fungal spores can be carried by the wind, water, or on tools and equipment, leading to infections in new areas.
• Root Grafts: Diseases can spread between trees through root systems that have naturally grafted together.
• Human Activity: Pruning or damaging a tree can create entry points for pathogens. Moving infected wood or soil can also introduce diseases to healthy trees.

How Can I Protect My Tree From Diseases?

To protect your trees from diseases, consider the following practices:

• Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect your trees for signs of disease or pest activity.
• Proper Pruning: Prune trees properly to remove dead or diseased branches and improve air circulation.
• Sanitation: Clean up fallen leaves, fruit, and other debris that can harbor disease-causing organisms.
• Watering and Mulching: Water trees properly and mulch around the base to retain moisture and improve soil health.
• Resistant Varieties: Plant disease-resistant tree varieties when possible.
• Chemical Treatments: Use fungicides and insecticides as needed, following all label instructions and safety precautions.

Can Tree Diseases Harm Humans?

Tree diseases are not harmful to humans.

However, there are some indirect ways in which tree diseases can affect human health:

• Allergies: Some fungal spores, like those from powdery mildew or rusts, can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
• Weakened Trees: Diseased trees are often structurally weakened and can pose a risk of falling branches or toppling over, which can cause injuries or property damage.
• Toxic Species: Certain tree species, like those with poisonous leaves or fruit, can pose a risk if ingested or handled improperly.