Trees are vital to the environment and play a key role in providing shade, beauty, and helping to regulate air temperature. Unfortunately, various pests and diseases can have a devastating effect on trees if they are not properly monitored. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how pests and diseases can damage trees and what homeowners can do to help protect their trees from harm.
Pests on Trees
Pests such as insects, fungi, bacteria, and viruses can cause significant damage to trees if left unchecked. Insects such as aphids or borers feed on leaves or bark, depriving the tree of the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. Fungi such as rust or mildew can infect branches or spread across the entire tree, resulting in discolored foliage or weakened branches that may break off during storms. Bacteria like fire blight can also kill branches or weaken them over time. Finally, viruses like oak wilt can cause discoloration of foliage and severe dieback of twigs, branches, and even entire trees if left untreated.
Diseases on Trees
In addition to pests, diseases can also take a toll on trees. Common tree diseases include root rot (caused by fungus), Dutch elm disease (caused by a beetle-borne fungus), oak wilt (caused by a fungus), powdery mildew (caused by a fungus) , heart rot (caused by a fungus), anthracnose (caused by fungi) , verticillium wilt (caused by several species of fungi). All of these diseases have different symptoms but all involve the death of parts or all of the tree if left untreated for too long.
What Can Homeowners Do?
Homeowners should regularly inspect their trees for signs of pest infestations or disease. If any infestations are found, homeowners should contact an arborist immediately for diagnosis and treatment options. Additionally, homeowners should practice proper pruning techniques to remove dead wood from their trees in order to prevent further damage from occurring. Finally, homeowners should ensure that their trees get access to plenty of sunlight and water so they remain healthy enough to fight off infestations and diseases naturally when possible.
Pest and Disease Effects on Trees
Overall, pests and diseases can be damaging to your beloved trees if not addressed properly. Homeowners should keep an eye out for potential issues in order to catch them early before they become uncontrollable problems that could lead to more costly treatments down the line—or even worse—the death of your tree! With some vigilance and preventive care you can keep your treasured greenery happy and healthy for years to come!
Shannon & Son’s Tree Service offers professional tree care services to ensure that your trees remain healthy and strong. If you have noticed any signs of pests or disease, don’t hesitate to contact us for an expert assessment! We are dedicated to providing our clients with the highest quality of service so their trees can thrive.
