Tree health care professionals of Naples, Florida, share four tree diseases that will likely mean immediate removal.
These Disease Likely Mean Saying Goodbye to the Infected Tree
Most pest infestations and tree diseases can be treated with proper care and arboricultural know-how. Unfortunately, some diseases can attack completely healthy trees and leave the owners without recourse beyond getting the tree removed. A professional must diagnose these diseases, and a homeowner can always get a certified arborist to do a tree risk assessment.
Remember that diseased trees can become falling hazards and endanger people and property alike. Let’s look at these four diseases and why they need professional care and attention.
Lethal Bronzing Disease
This disease was brought in via an invasive bug called the sap-sucking leafhopper. The native and non-native palm trees that grow in the beautiful climate of southern Florida are susceptible to it and have died by the thousands.
At this point, the disease usually affects the palms in nurseries, and in landscaping rather than in the wild, but with an invasive and untreatable disease like this one, even wild palms may be in danger from this ticking time bomb. A few other positive things about this disease:
- It is being extensively studied, and trees can be inoculated against it.
- There is some promising research involving a scent put off by infected trees.
It is hoped that the current research can also find palms that are more resistant to the disease, but at this point that has not happened.
Oak Wilt
Oaks are a big part of arboricultural life in this state. Live oaks in particular are prized for their long lives and wide-spreading canopies that provide abundant shade. Unfortunately there are certain diseases that particularly attack oaks.
Oak wilt is a fungal infection caused by the fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum. It attacks the vascular system of these trees,stealing nutrients and causing a rapid wilting and dropping of leaves. Black spots of fungus will often appear in the later stages. The tree must be removed to prevent the spread of the infection.
Laurel Wilt
Laurels are another family of trees that are in high demand in the state of Florida. They are susceptible to Laurel wilt, another fungal disease that, like lethal bronzing disease, was brought here by an invasive insect known as the redbay ambrosia beetle.
The symptoms of this are like oak wilt, including browning leaves and blue-black streaks underneath the bark. Sawdust-filled holes also begin to appear all over the plant.
Fusiform Rust
This disease is particularly destructive due to the fact that it originates in the stem of the tree. It causes instability and has a fairly rapid progression of nasty and obvious symptoms. These are discussed below.
- Stage 1: Galls shaped like cigars show up on the trunk.
- Stage 2: The galls form orange blisters.
- Stage 3: The infection blisters burst open and rusty-looking spores develop.
It is best to have your trees regularly inspected by professionals and have tree trimming and tree pruning done with sterile tools to prevent any of these diseases from affecting your landscaping trees.
Any Town Tree
Located in Naples. FL and serving the surrounding areas, Any Town Tree offers great work at a fair price. Call today for a free estimate.