Having trees is a major asset to your home. Trees serve as a focal point of your outdoor landscape and can enhance the curb appeal of your property. However, trees only add beauty and value if they are healthy and strong. Your trees are living things that are vulnerable to damage or even death from pest infestations or disease. You can plan against potential problems by choosing hardy species of tree for your landscape and making sure they receive annual care from an experienced arborist in Kingsport. Even a healthy and well-maintained tree can fall prey to disease. That’s why Promier Tree wants to make you aware of three common and dangerous tree diseases in Tennessee.
Powdery Mildew
This is a white, powdery fungus that appears on the leaves of vegetation—whether it be trees or whatever is growing in your veggie garden. Powdery mildew can spread quickly and even spread from tree to tree. Although this fungus typically is not fatal to trees, it can kill the leaves, marring the appearance of a tree and stunting its growth.
What to do – If you notice powdery mildew on one of your trees, containing it is key. That means pruning back affected sections. However, even when dealing with a healthy tree, we recommend letting professionals like the team at Promier Tree handle your tree pruning needs.
Thousand Cankers Disease
This disease has a scary name, and, for your trees, the risk is real. Thousand Cankers Disease is a fungus that has killed countless trees across the United States, especially black walnut trees, affecting tree bark. The tree is more vulnerable if infected with twig beetles that burrow their way under the surface of the bark. These burrows create a pathway for the fungus, which, as it takes hold, forms cankers underneath the bark, eventually killing stems and branches.
What to do – Containment isn’t an issue. If you suspect one of your trees is suffering from Thousand Cankers disease, your best course of action is to schedule a tree health evaluation. At Promier Tree, a Kingsport certified arborist completes tree health evaluations.
Septoria Leaf Spot
This is another variety of fungus, but it typically targets dogwood trees. Look for small rust-colored or brown spots on the tree’s foliage. As time passes, the areas where these spots are located will dry out, and any foliage will dehydrate and fall off the trees. Septoria is not as life-threatening as Thousand Cankers Disease. Still, the stress it places on a tree can impact its future growth and health, potentially compromising the long-term viability of the tree.
What to do – Fungi can thrive and flourish in humid weather, so it seeks out moist and damp areas—even yard waste such as leaf piles. You want to keep your trees well-pruned to encourage airflow and lower the humidity of the tree’s immediate environment. Once again, Promier Tree recommends you only trust professionals for your tree pruning needs.
Tree care in Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol
To best protect your trees against the threat of disease, your best course of action is to hire an ISA-certified arborist in Kingsport to evaluate and maintain your trees. Right now, before winter arrives, is the best time to schedule a tree health evaluation. Make your appointment today by calling Promier Tree at (423) 872-2988.