Like deciduous trees (those with leaves), conifer trees are not immune to diseases that can prove fatal if left untreated and are even incurable in some cases. Therefore, one of the keys in helping to protect conifer trees on your property and even in your community is recognizing the signs that something is abnormal.
Below, SavATree provides information on the most common types of diseases plaguing conifer trees across the country, so you’ll be aware when it’s time to bring in the professionals.
Needle Blight
Needle Blight
Needle blight attacks the needles and the twig tips, resulting in a dramatic browning of the foliage on the lower branches. Left untreated, repeat damage will often result in a loss of entire branches, thus robbing the tree of any ornamental value in your landscape. Needle blight is a fungus, and certain fungicides applied by a professional tree care company can be effective but must be consistent. While needle blight doesn’t directly kill the tree, it does weaken its overall health and integrity, eventually leading to its demise.
Needle Cast
Needle Cast
Needle cast essentially causes conifer trees to prematurely shed their needles, which is common to trees that are stressed from drought or lacking nutrients.
Symptoms of this disease often appear as the lightening or yellowing of the needles in a spotted pattern before turning red or brown. If needle cast symptoms are left untreated, fungal growth can develop and kill the entire needle. Fungicides applied by a professional tree care company can be effective, and removing any infested needles helps not to contaminate their neighbors. After a few years of treatment, the tree often begins to grow new needles in the affected area.
Canker, Rust and Blister
Canker, Rust, and Blister
Dead or blistered areas of tree bark, branches, or the trunk are often referred to as a “canker.” Sadly, dozens of fungi can cause canker disease and usually appear as a waxy discharge on the tree’s bark. Blisters or galls appear on tree branches and look like tumors or cysts (and may release waxy, yellowish discharge as well). Lower areas of the tree will often show the first signs of infestation. Fungicides applied by a professional tree care company can be effective, as well as pruning out the impacted areas.
Unsure if your conifer trees have been compromised by one of the diseases above? For a free consultation, click here to find the local SavATree branch in your area today!
