Have you heard of annosus root rot? If you own any property with trees, you should make yourself aware of this disease because it can be deadly for your trees. Most often affecting southern pines and other common species of tree, annosus root rot can lead to the development of a dangerous fungus that kills your trees. Your Kingsport tree care experts at Promier Tree are discussing on the blog today what you need to know about root rot.
Know the Signs of Root Rot
Early intervention in a case of root rot helps to reduce the spread and severity of the disease. Nevertheless, many tree growers are not aware of the perils of root rot and cannot recognize the signs.
The first identifiers of root rot can be found in the tree canopy. Is the canopy thinning or sparse? Is new leaf growth appearing to dry up with a reddish color? Next, look at the ground. Is leaf mulch sparse or non-existent? Are the feeder roots brittle or black?
Unfortunately, a tree may be infected with root rot and not show any symptoms above ground until at least half the root system has become infected. Other aboveground symptoms include trees that are dead or in decline, wind-thrown trees, or resin soaking at the root collar.
Visible signs of the root rot fungus include masses of white fungus that form between bark scales, followed by leathery conks that are brown with a white margin and a cream-colored lower area. These conks are not always present, but when they are, they release spores that can be transported by wind and rain and infect freshly cut stumps. From there, the fungus travels down the root system of the stump and infect other trees through root graph or root contact. Typically in the Southern United States, a developed infection center of root rot is active for at least ten years before it becomes stable.
If you examine your tree and identify any of these issues, call a professional arborist to come and evaluate your tree as soon as possible.
Root rot is most common on sandy, well-drained soil, but the fungus can thrive in a variety of different soils and forest conditions. Left unchecked, root rot can spread from tree to tree, devastating pine stands, orchards, and recreational sites.
Seek Root Rot Treatment From Your Johnson City Arborists
Hiring a professional arborist to serve your tree care needs makes a big difference. An arborist has a wealth of education and experience working with all kinds of issues related to a wide range of species of trees. A professional arborist like those on staff at Promier Tree are the best-qualified individuals to diagnose a case of root rot, and either treat the disease or oversee the removal of the tree if it is not able to be saved. If you are seeing the signs of root rot or have any other questions related to the care of your trees, contact Promier Tree today at (423) 765-2626 to schedule an appointment with one of our arborists.
Promier Tree is here to serve residential and business customers in the areas of Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport in Tennessee.