Beautiful, healthy trees can add value to your property and provide shelter from the sun and the wind. But once disease sets in, however, it’s important to have an arborist treat the tree or even remove it to avoid that disease spreading. Keep an eye out for these signs of health problems in your trees.

Signs of Tree Disease

1. Insects

Not every insect on a tree is cause for alarm, but you should familiarize yourself with the beetles and grubs that affect various species of trees. For instance, the emerald ash borer tunnels into the wood of ash trees, and Japanese beetles skeletonize the leaves of almost any tree.

2. ​​​​​​​Trunk Discoloration

Sometimes tree diseases can appear as other types of damage. Fire blight makes tree bark look blackened as though it has been burned. If you aren’t sure whether a tree is affected, an arborist can give you a diagnosis.

3. Leaf Discoloration

It’s normal for leaves to change color with the seasons, but if you’re noticing changes at other times, it’s cause for concern. Reddish spots point to leaf rust, dusty white indicates a powdery mildew infection, and as the name implies, leaf spot causes a spotted appearance.

4. ​​​​​​​Foreign Growths

Fungus and bacteria colonizing a tree can cause large, gnarled areas called gall or wounds called canker. Canker can also manifest as pale-colored growths on the tree trunk.

5. ​​​​​​​Unusual Structures

Witch’s broom refers to an area of tree growth where many leaves or branches all emerge from the same sot, forming a dense cluster that looks like a messy bird’s nest. There are several potential causes of witch’s broom, including infections.

If you notice any of these signs of a tree health problem, call Crusader Tree Service and Property Maintenance in Hawthorne, FL. This licensed, insured arborist offers tree care, trimming, and removal to treat disease and keep your property looking its best. To schedule service with an arborist, call (352) 219-3264, and visit them online to learn more about their services.