Trees improve the aesthetic appeal of your property. Unfortunately, just like any other living organism, they can be affected by diseases. To help you understand when to schedule tree services to protect the health of your yard, here’s all you need to know about one of the most common fungal diseases. 

What Is Anthracnose?

Microorganisms, including fungus, thrive in moist environments. Anthracnose, a fungal disease that can impact plants, tends to attack when the weather is wet and cool, such as the spring or fall. Rainy conditions allow the fungus to spread across leaves as water trickles down the tree. When the weather becomes dry and warm, the disease will stop progressing, but may start impacting the plant with the change of seasons.

Some of the species most prone to anthracnose include ash, azalea, camellia, maple, sycamore, walnut, and oak trees, although many other plants can be affected. The condition can discolor the tips of new twigs and leaves. Trees may also develop lesions or cankers, which are dead sections of bark. This may cause defoliation, or the widespread loss of leaves.

How Can Anthracnose Be Treated? 

While anthracnose is rarely fatal for a tree, it can significantly impact the appearance of your landscaping. The only way to stop the spread of the disease is to remove the impacted portions. Tree service professionals will identify the impacted branches and perform tree trimming with sanitized shears to keep healthy sections free of disease.

To prevent anthracnose, don’t overwater your plants. Have trees trimmed before the spring and fall to ensure adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients reach healthy limbs. Your tree service professional can also apply chemical treatments to prevent fungus development.

If you need tree trimming and other landscaping services, don’t hesitate to reach out to Greatland Tree Service in Anchorage, AK. For more than 15 years, this trusted company has been committed to safety, cleanliness, and efficiency, helping homeowners improve the health of their yards. Learn more about their landscaping maintenance work online or call (907) 336-8733 for a free estimate.