Dogwood trees are an enjoyable addition to several landscapes and are recognized for their sensational blooms and graceful look. Nonetheless, these lovely trees encounter a significant danger from dogwood galls, a fungal illness that has damaged indigenous dogwood populations since its intro from Asia in the late 1970s. Our ISA-certified arborists in the Tri-Cities area at Promier Tree share details on the blog today that will certainly help you understand dogwood gall risks, acknowledge the signs of distress, and help you prevent this disease from infecting your dogwood trees.
What Is Dogwood Anthracnose?
Dogwood anthracnose or galls is brought on by the fungal bloodsucker Discula destructiva. This illness mainly influences the indigenous blooming dogwood (Cornus florida) plus Pacific dogwood (Cornus nuttallii). The fungus spreads quickly in damp areas and can create substantial damage, leading to tree decrease when left untreated.
Symptoms of Dogwood Anthracnose
Identifying the signs and symptoms of dogwood galls early is vital for taking care of the condition and reducing harmful effects. Therefore, our Kingsport area ISA-certified arborists recommend watching out for the following indicators:
- Leaf Spots: Tan areas with uneven purple margins show up on fallen leaves. These areas can merge into bigger brownish spots, triggering a burnt look or fallen leaf blight.
- Twig and Shoot Infections: Sunken tan to brownish areas with purple boundaries established on twigs can girdle the twigs and eliminate them. Blighting of incurable fallen leaves can likewise happen resulting in the fatality of incurable buds and minimized springtime budbreak.
- Cankerwood Development: Cankers might form on the trunks as well as branches, creating spores that spread the disease.
The Disease Cycle
Dogwood galls continue as cankers on the tree’s trunk and branches. In cool, wet climates, the fungi generate huge quantities of spores which are spread out by rainfall, bugs, or birds. Our Johnson City ISA-certified arborists explain that these spores called conidia are sprinkled onto newly broadened fallen leaves, blossoms, and cells starting brand-new infections.
Managing Dogwood Anthracnose
Efficient administration of dogwood galls entails a mix of social plus chemical controls.
Below are some important actions to safeguard your dogwood trees:
- Trimming: Regularly trim and remove contaminated branches to get rid of infection resources.
- Tree Health: Maintain general tree health and wellness via sufficient watering and composting. Use immune cultivars whenever feasible.
- Plant Food: Avoid feeding young dogwood trees in their very first year. Use plant foods very carefully afterward making certain you use the right proportion and timing to stay clear of overstimulation.
- Fungicide Treatments: Use fungicides to lessen new infections. Keep in mind that fungicides will certainly not treat existing infections yet can aid in protecting against the spread. Use treatments three to four times at 14-day intervals beginning at bud break in spring.
ISA-Certified Arborists in Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol, TN
If you believe that your dogwood is under a health threat, don’t wait to look for expert aid. Our Bristol area ISA-certified arborists use a tree healthcare program that protects your dogwoods from galls and guarantees they grow for several years. Preventing this disease is vital to protecting your trees’ elegance and their health and wellness. Call Promier Tree today at (423) 765-2626 for professional guidance and a cost-free Tree Risk Assessment.