7 Common Tree Problems & Diseases

Trees are living organisms, so that means that they can get “sick” like humans and animals. A disease or other tree issue may take a while to show up because of the sheer size of the tree, and once symptoms become obvious, it could be too late to revive the tree.

A professional arborist from MT Tree Trimming can identify and treat common tree issues so that there is a much greater chance of saving the tree. Learn about our service here. Not only can an arborist help to stop a tree from dying, but they can also help trees get healthier growth and more flowers or fruit with professional tree trimming.

Have you noticed a tree on your lawn that has always seemed OK but all of the sudden seems like something is wrong? In the next paragraphs, we’ll explain some of the most typical tree problems and diseases and what these symptoms mean for a tree.

If you spot any of these things on any of your trees, act fast to have the best chance of saving the tree and the ones around it.

Tree Diseases & Common Problems

These 7 things are the most typical problems encountered by experienced arborists in Montana. Once you think one of these things might be wrong with your tree, reach out to someone with the training and tools to help!

Tree Diseases

Leaf Rust – Leaf rust is actually a fungus that is common in both plants and trees. The name comes from the yellow and brown spots this disease creates on the leaves.

Leaf rust is bad because it prevents the leaves’ photosynthesis, the process by which it breathes. Leaf rust can be tended to with fungicides and selective trimming of the diseased leaves. It might be necessary to cut off whole branches with leaf rust.

Witches’ Broom – This common tree disease results in a large clump of twigs, dead leaves and branches that resemble a broom shape. It is caused by insects, unusually wet weather or fungus. The formation of a clump of twigs and leaves is the tree’s reaction to infection or harm.

Some cases of Witches’ Broom are deadly for the tree, others are just considered a growth malformation. A tree care professional can diagnose the problem.

Mildew – Mildew is a type of fungus that grows on just about anything in wet conditions, but even when the wet conditions are over with, mildew can remain and thrive. Mildew appears as a powdery substance, typically white, and it often appears on the leaves of the tree first.

The the best method for treating mildew is to apply a fungicide that includes sulfur. This will eliminate the current mildew and help to prevent future mildew on the tree. You might also need to trim the tree to remove branches, fruit, flowers and leaves that were affected by the mildew

Gall – Gall is a type of tree disease that occurs when pests or rodents build small nests on the leaves or branches of a tree to lay their eggs in. Most galls are not dangerous for the tree, but none of them are attractive.

Gall will appear as bumps on the tree, in varying sizes. They can be white, brown, gray or some color in between.

It is not necessary to treat the tree for galls, but they can limit the growth of recently planted trees. Treat galls by killing the insects. You should also clean out from under the tree after the leaves fall off, since this is where the insects live during winter.

Other Tree Problems

Poor Pruning – There’s a science to tree trimming, as well as many types, and if you aren’t sure what to do, you could damage the tree past the point of recovery. Consider the type of tree, season and other factors. Under-pruning (or a lack of pruning at all) is just as big of an issue. Only an experienced arborist should be trusted to trim trees to keep them healthy.

Lack of Water – Young trees can be significantly affected by drought. If you plant new trees, you will need to supplement the amount of water they get from rainfall. A tree that doesn’t get enough water can have its growth inhibited. The first symptom you are likely to see is scorched, dry leaves. Find more tips for new trees here.

Too Much Sun – Do some initial research before planting trees in a full-sun area. Most species of trees can handle it just fine, but too much sun can become a problem for any tree if the sun is too hot for a long period of time and rainfall is light. A tree that is getting a lot of sun needs extra water to fight against wilting, drooping leaves.

Certified Arborist Services in Montana

An experienced arborist from MT Tree Trimming will be able to quickly diagnose what’s happening with your sick tree and lay out a plan to save it if at all possible.

Here is what an arborist is trained to do:

  • Evaluate trees from below and from the branches of the tree if necessary. Climbing into the canopy is typically necessary to understand exactly what is creating the symptoms.
  • Treat your tree with additives and fertilizers in the dirt or products applied to the leaves. The arborist will have expert knowledge about the disease affecting your tree and the most effective treatments for it.
  • Prune trees to remove dead or damaged branches and to assist healthy growth. Even if heavy pruning is needed, they will know how to remove branches so that the tree survives both the disease and the pruning process.
  • Remove the tree from your yard if there is no chance to save it. The worst case scenario is that the tree is too far gone, and cutting it down is the only choice to protect your property and surrounding landscape.

Arborists can also educate you about the other trees that you have om your property and how to best maintain them so you don’t find yourself in the same situation in the future.

Some tree diseases look very similar to each other, requiring an expert opinion to correctly determine and correct the problem. If your trees are looking dry, unhealthy or disfigured, call a professional arborist from MT Tree Trimming for an inspection before it’s too late for your tree.

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