Types of Tree Disease
There are all kinds of tree diseases that can occur and have a negative impact on your trees. Most are specific to a tree species.
For example, anthracnose affects hardwood trees especially American sycamores, black walnuts, dogwoods, and white oaks. You’ll find anthracnose to be widespread throughout the Eastern United States, because there are higher concentrations of these species in that area.
Diseased roots are another common tree disease. Roots that are securing the tree to the soil are also providing water and nutrients. The older the tree the larger the root structure. If there are diseased roots, they can become weakened leading to root decay and or root rot and making them susceptible to being blown over in the wind.
Chestnut blight fungus is yet another common and devastating tree, which has almost wiped out the American chestnut, especially in the eastern forests. Wind and rain spreads the fungus and infects fresh bark wounds. The fungus then pops up during moist weather showing off its orange curled horn.
Dutch Elm Disease devastated the American Elm population. This fungus clogs vascular tissue inhibiting the trees’ ability to get water. In turn, the Elm bark beetles are drawn to the diseased trees to complete their breeding cycle. The larvae eat the Dutch Elm Disease fungus and then carry it to other trees, spreading the disease quickly. The lack of water will kill the crown and the tree will die.
Amillaria Root Rot is a disease that attacks softwoods and hardwoods and it will kill vines, shrubs and forbs in all states. It is a major reason Oaks are on the decline. It can kill trees that are already weakened.
There are many different types of tree disease. It’s a good idea to do some research on the trees you have in your yard. That way you’ll know exactly what to watch for.