Trees are living organisms, so that means that they can become “sick” like people and animals can. A disease or other tree issue may take a while to show appear because of the overall size of the tree, and once you see a symptom, it could be too late to save the tree.
A certified arborist from NV Tree Trimming can help you diagnose and treat tree issues so that there is a much greater chance of saving the tree. Learn about our service here. Not only can an experienced arborist help to stop a tree from dying, but they are also able to help trees get more healthy growth and more flowers or fruit with professional tree trimming.
Have you noticed a tree on your property that has always seemed OK but suddenly seems like something is wrong? In the next paragraphs, we’ll explain some of the most typical tree problems and diseases and what these symptoms mean.
If you notice any of these things on any of the trees on your property, 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 professional arborists in Nevada. Once you think one of these things is wrong with your tree, reach out to someone with the knowledge and equipment to help!
Tree Diseases
Leaf Rust – Leaf rust is actually a fungus that is common in both plants and trees. The name originates from the brown and yellow spots this disease produces on the leaves.
Leaf rust is a problem because it inhibits the leaves’ photosynthesis, the process by which it breathes. Leaf rust can be tended to with fungicides and selective pruning of the diseased leaves. It might be necessary to remove whole branches with leaf rust.
Witches’ Broom – This common disease results in a large grouping of twigs, dead leaves and branches that form a a broom shape. It is caused by insects, unusually rainy 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 deadly for the tree, while others are only considered a growth malformation. An arborist can diagnose the problem.
Mildew – Mildew is a type of fungus that grows on almost anything in wet conditions, but even after the moist conditions are over with, mildew can persist and thrive. It usually appears as a powdery texture, usually white, and it often shows up on the leaves of the tree first.
The the best method for eliminating mildew is to apply a fungicide that contains sulfur. This will remove the existing mildew and help to prevent future mildew growth on the tree. You may also need to trim the tree to remove branches, fruit, flowers and any leaves that have been affected by the mildew
Gall – Gall is a tree condition that appears when pests or rodents build small nests on the leaves or twigs 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 varying sizes. They can be white, brown, gray or some color in between.
You do not have to treat the tree if there are galls, but they can limit the growth of new 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 insects live during winter.
Other Tree Problems
Poor Trimming – There’s a discipline to tree trimming, as well as many types, and if you aren’t sure 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) can be just as big of a problem. Only a certified arborist should be trusted to prune trees to keep them healthy.
Lack of Water – Young trees can be significantly impacted by drought. If you want to plant new trees, you will probably have to supplement the amount of water they get from rainfall. A tree that doesn’t get enough water will have its growth stunted. The first symptom you are likely to see is scorched or dry leaves. Find more tips for new trees here.
Too Much Sun – Do some initial research before planting trees in a full-sun area of your property. Many species of trees can handle it just fine, but too much sun can happen to any tree if the sun is too hot for a long period and rainfall is light. A tree that is getting too much sun needs even more water to fight against wilting, drooping leaves.
Certified Arborist Services in Nevada
An experienced arborist from NV Tree Trimming will be able to quickly identify what’s going on with your sick tree and lay out a plan to rescue it.
Here is what an arborist is qualified to do:
- Review trees from the ground and from the branches of the tree if necessary. Climbing into the canopy is usually necessary to identify exactly what is causing the symptoms.
- Treat your tree with additives and fertilizers in the dirt or solutions applied to the leaves. The arborist will have knowledge about the disease impacting the tree and the best treatments.
- Trim trees to get rid of dead or damaged branches and to encourage healthy growth. Even if heavy pruning is necessary, they will know how to remove branches so that the tree survives both the disease and the pruning.
- Remove the tree from your property if there is no chance to save it. The worst case is that the tree is dying, and removing it is the best way to protect your home and surrounding landscape.
Arborists can also inform you about the other trees that you have om your property and how to best care for them so you don’t return to the same situation in the future.
Many tree problems look very similar to one another, requiring a professional eye to correctly identify and correct the issue. If your trees appear to be dry, disfigured or dying, call a certified arborist from NV Tree Trimming for an inspection before it’s too late.
