Fire Blight Treatments by SavATree Insects & Diseases Fire blight is a highly contagious bacterial disease that affects trees and shrubs in the rose family, including apple, pear, crabapple, and hawthorn. It causes blackened, scorched-looking branches and can rapidly spread, killing branches or entire plants if untreated. Early diagnosis and proactive care are critical to managing fire blight. With expert evaluation and treatment, property owners can help prevent this aggressive disease from damaging their landscapes. SavATree’s ISA Certified Arborists offer proven treatments and pruning strategies that can help manage fire blight and protect your trees from recurring infections. Signs of Fire Blight Infection If you suspect fire blight on your property, it’s important to act now. Catching the disease early gives your trees a better chance at recovery and limits the risk of spread. Common signs of fire blight include: Common signs of fire blight include: Wilting and blackening of blossoms, shoots, or leaves Leaves that appear scorched or burned, but remain attached Twigs that bend at their terminal point, creating what’s known as the “shepherd’s crook” Amber-colored liquid oozing from infected branches Black streaks or sunken cankers on bark Because fire blight spreads quickly in warm, wet, spring weather, annual inspections are important. Are your plants and trees showing different signs of insect damage? SavATree offers comprehensive insect management solutions that address many additional threats. What Causes Fire Blight? Fire blight begins when bacteria enter a tree through open blossoms or wounds, then spread through rain, wind, insects, or unsterilized pruning tools. Left unmanaged, the infection can move from twigs into limbs and trunks, threatening the long-term health of your tree. It can then continue to spread across your property, causing additional damage, especially if your property features many trees in the rose family. Life Cycle of Fire Blight Early Spring: Bacteria spend the winter in cankers and become active as temperatures warm. As leaves grow, existing infections spread to blossoms. Spring to Early Summer: Bacteria oozes out of cankers, which attracts bees and insects, which then spread the disease to healthy plants. Summer: Infections may move into larger branches or the trunk. Cankers may expand. Fall to Winter: Bacteria remain dormant inside cankers, waiting to reactivate in spring. Because the bacteria that cause fire blight are most active during bloom, early spring inspections and pruning for sanitation are essential for containment. Where to Find Fire Blight Treatment Near You If you're searching for "fire blight on apple tree," "blackened tree branches," or "liquid oozing from tree," SavATree’s experienced arborists can help. Our tailored treatment plans consider tree species, infection severity, and local conditions. Pruning of infected branches at least 8 inches past visible symptoms, disinfecting pruning tools between each cut. Applying targeted treatments to prevent/limit infection. Offering cultural practices that improve tree health and resilience. We’ll also advise on fire blight-resistant plant varieties to help you build a healthier, more resilient landscape. Because fire blight spreads most aggressively in warm, wet conditions, regional differences matter. In some areas, the risk peaks in early spring; in others, bloom time may vary. Your local SavATree arborist will consider your region’s climate, tree species, and past outbreaks when developing a treatment plan. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an expert arborist.