5 Common Fungal Diseases that Affect Trees in North America

Healthy trees can greatly improve a landscape’s aesthetic appeal. However, when trees become diseased, they not only look unattractive, they can also become serious safety hazards. When diseased trees become unhealthy, they’re more likely to come crashing down during a windstorm. If you think you have a diseased tree on your property, then you’ll want to have a professional arborist come take a look. At The Tree Guy, our local arborists can identify diseased trees and figure out whether they can be saved or if they’ll need to be cut down to eliminate the risk of them falling over on their own. Here are five common fungal tree diseases in North America.

Anthracnose is a fungal disease that attacks a broad assortment of tree and shrub species. It often causes leaf loss, which is sometimes followed by death. Dogwoods and sycamores are particularly susceptible to anthracnose.

Oak Wilt

Oak wilt is a nasty fungal disease that can prevent nutrients and water from circulating through the tree. Consequently, leaves turn yellow and then brown and then fall off. Oak wilt commonly leads to death, though this can vary depending on the particular oak species. 

Powdery Mildew

When a tree is affected by powdery mildew, its leaf surfaces become overtaken by fungal threads. Leaves then turn brown and fall off. Nearly all North American tree species can become affected by powdery mildew. However, powdery mildew doesn’t typically kill the tree.

Comandra Blister Rust

This fungal disease attacks the inner bark of pine trees. Symptoms of comandra blister rust include orange bands on the bark, growth reduction, deformity, and death.

Fusarium Wilt

Fusarium wilt often affects palm trees. It starts in the roots and interferes with the tree’s ability to take in water. It first causes lower leaves to wilt and yellow before affecting newer growth and eventually killing the tree.

Tree Services in Ventura, CA

When you need tree services in Ventura, CA and the surrounding area, contact The Tree Guy at 805-559-1515. Feel free to give us a call today to request a free arborist estimate in Ventura, CA!