Trees are living things, so it stands to reason that they can get “sick” like people and animals. A disease or other tree issue may take a while to show itself due to the sheer size of the tree, and once symptoms become clear, it could be too late to save the tree.
A professional arborist from NJ Tree Trimming can identify and treat tree problems so that there is a much greater chance of saving the tree. Learn about our service here. Not only can an arborist keep a tree from dying, but they are also able to help trees get more healthy growth and bloom more flowers or fruit.
Have you ever noticed a tree on your property that has always seemed OK but all of the sudden seems like something is wrong? In the next paragraphs, we’ll explain some of the most common tree issues and what these symptoms mean.
If you see any of these things on any of your trees, act fast for the best chance of saving the tree and the ones nearby it.
Tree Diseases & Common Problems
These 7 things are the most typical issues addressed by experienced arborists in New Jersey. The moment you think one of these things could be wrong with your tree, contact someone with the knowledge and tools to help!
Tree Diseases
Leaf Rust – Leaf rust is a fungus that is very common in both trees and plants. The name originates from the brown and yellow spots this disease causes on the leaves.
Leaf rust is dangerous because it inhibits the leaves’ photosynthesis, the process by which it breathes. Leaf rust can be tended to with fungicides and selective tree trimming of the affected leaves. It could be necessary to remove whole branches with leaf rust.
Witches’ Broom – This common disease creates a large clump 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 cases of Witches’ Broom are deadly for the tree, others are just considered a growth malformation. An arborist can tell you for sure.
Mildew – Mildew is a fungus that grows on almost anything in moist conditions, but even after the moist conditions are gone, mildew can remain and thrive. Mildew appears as a powdery texture, usually white, and it usually appears on the leaves of the tree first.
The trick to treating mildew is to apply a fungicide that includes sulfur. This will treat the current mildew and stop future mildew 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 type of tree condition that occurs when pests or rodents build small nests on the leaves or branches of a tree to lay 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 a range of sizes. They are often white, brown, gray or some color in between.
It is not necessary to treat the tree if there are galls, but they can limit the growth of recently planted trees. Treat galls by killing the insects. You should also clean out from under the tree when the leaves fall off, since this is where the pests live during winter.
Other Tree Problems
Poor Trimming – There’s an art to tree pruning, as well as many types, and if you aren’t sure what you’re doing, you could damage the tree beyond recovery. Consider the type of tree, season and other factors. Under-pruning (or not pruning at all) can be just as big of a problem. Only an experienced arborist should be trusted to trim trees to keep them healthy.
Lack of Water – Young trees can be significantly impacted by drought. If you plant new trees, you will need to supplement the amount of water they get from rainfall. A tree that doesn’t get enough water can have its growth stunted. The first symptom 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 full-sun area. Most types of trees can handle it without issue, but too much sun can happen to any tree if the sun is harsh for an extended period and rainfall is light. A tree that is getting excessive sun needs extra water to fight against wilting, drooping leaves.
Certified Arborist Services in New Jersey
A trained arborist from NJ Tree Trimming will be able to quickly identify what’s happening with your sick tree and come up with a plan to save it if at all possible.
Here is what an arborist is qualified to do:
- Inspect trees from below and from the limbs of the tree if necessary. Getting into the canopy is usually necessary to identify exactly what is creating the symptoms.
- Treat your tree with fertilizers and additives in the dirt or solutions sprayed on the leaves. This person will have expert knowledge about the disease impacting the tree and the most effective treatments for it.
- Prune trees to remove dead or diseased branches and to assist healthy growth. Even if heavy trimming is needed, they will know how to remove branches so that the tree survives both the issue and the pruning.
- Remove the tree from your yard if nothing can be done to save it. The worst case scenario is that the tree is too far gone, and cutting it down is the best choice to protect your home and surrounding landscape.
Arborists can also educate you about the trees that you have om your property and how to best care for them so you don’t return to the same situation again.
Some tree issues look very similar to each other, requiring an expert opinion to correctly determine and correct the problem. If your trees are looking dry, disfigured or dying, call a certified arborist from NJ Tree Trimming for an inspection before it’s too late.
