Tree Diseases: What You Should Know As A Property Owner

Protect Your Trees from Illness

When it comes to the health of your trees and property, it’s important to know who to turn to if you have questions or concerns. That’s where Dusty’s Tree Service can help. As your top affordable tree service in the area, we can help you understand the risks your trees are at, how to deal with the diseases that are prevalent in Central Florida, and what to do if you have concerns about any of the trees or shrubs on your property.

Below you’ll find a variety of tree diseases and types of issues that can arise when you have shrubs or plants on the property. Trees are a great way to add shade, privacy, and aesthetics when they are healthy. Take a look below for more information on keeping your property looking its best.

Types of Tree Diseases

There are four types of diseases that your trees can suffer from. Knowing what to look for and when to call in professional tree service near you is a good idea. It helps to prevent further damage from taking place. Don’t try to remove trees on your own as that can be very dangerous. Trust the experts here to get you on the right path.

The four types of diseases include:
• Foliage – This is where the foliage of the tree shows signs of issues. You may see brown leaves, spots or blights on the leaf, needle casts, mold, mildew, or even blisters on the foliage of your trees.
• Stem – When the stem of the tree is infected with disease, you’ll notice things such as galls, fungi, decay of the stem, or even vascular wilts taking place.
• Root – Disease in the root can cause the growth of the tree to have issues. This could be root rot, feeder root necrosis, and decay of the tree altogether.
• Nursery Disease – This type of disease is found in a forest nursery or the areas where forest regeneration is taking place.

It’s important to call in a licensed tree trimming service whenever you see any of the issues that are mentioned above. The faster you get a professional on the job, the faster you can clear out any damage and prevent it from spreading to the other trees. It’s important that you take time to learn the options and what types of disease can take over.

Below are some of the most common diseases for your trees in the Central Florida area. Whether you’re in Dunnellon, Crystal River or Citrus Springs, we can help.

Fusiform Rust

This type of disease is caused by a fungus called Cronartium quercuum f. sp. Fusiforme. It is one of the most prevalent and damaging diseases for pine trees in the south. It can devastate a population of pine species if left unchecked. The first place it starts is in an oaky and then it moves. The disease itself will cause what is called rust galls to form or it will create cankers on the tree trunk and branches.

The best time to identify this disease is in the springtime of the year. That’s when rust-colored spindle-shaped galls form on the pine tree at the site of infection. This will form a powdery spore that is orange in color and is easy to spot. While it is on the oak tree in it’s forming stages, it doesn’t harm the tree itself. It is when it moves to the pine trees around the oak that it causes damage. If you see these orange spores on your oak tree, it’s time to call in a tree removal service that can help you to get rid of the infection before it leaves the host tree. The sooner you call in a team, the sooner you can prevent tree loss.

Annosus Root Rot

ARD, or annosus root rot, enters a tree through a wound that has taken place. For example, here in Florida, the storms we get can cause trees to snap or blow over. This wound can cause the ARD to take place as it gives the perfect place for growth. These trees become predisposed to attack by beetles as well which can cause the trees around it to become victims. That’s why having dead trees removed or hiring a stump removal service is important. This makes sure that the wounded trees are removed, or those trees that have fallen are properly disposed of, making it easier to avoid this issue altogether.

WetWood and Slime Flux

Slime Flux is one of the more unsightly tree diseases. However, it can cause the tree to die off instead of regenerate or cause it to be impossible for wounds to heal. Wetwood causes Slime Flux by bacteria that invades a wound or an injury that has happened to the tree. You’ll know this is the issue by seeing the tree “bleed” sap that is smelly. You may find wasps or other insects that are actually feeding on the slime that the tree is producing.

In some cases of this disease, the wound will heal over the slime production will be stopped. In others, it can reopen causing the slime to form again. The biggest issue homeowners have is the smell that is produced. If the tree is near a door or window, you may want to consider other options for helping to remove the tree itself. That’s where our affordable tree service can come in handy.

Dusty’s Tree Service has been in business for years helping clients just like you to take care of the trees and shrubs on their property. We know the area, we know the best way to keep your trees healthy, and we can provide certified arborists to help you design a healthy-looking property.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today when you need to discuss tree root removal, tree disease assistance, or stump removal service. We are here to help you get your property revived and safe from any type of storm damage or falling, unhealthy trees.