Trees can die for many reasons; an improper trimming job, old age, and disease. If you believe your tree is infected with a disease a trimming and pruning service can help prevent it from spreading, but how do you identify if it has a disease or not? Thornton Creek Tree Service has provided a list of the common tree diseases in Colorado so you are aware of what to look for, and what you can do.
Common Diseases
• Bacterial Wetwood: A common disease in Colorado trees that causes a white slime to come out of the bark. This disease affects the bark or central core of many shade trees. The slime is from a fermentation process causing gas build-up inside the bark. The slime will escape through cracks in the bark and previously cut branches; it’s toxic to any surrounding vegetation. To prevent the disease you can remove any infected bark and branches, but if the disease has spread to the inner core of the tree it might need to be removed.
• Cytospora Cankers: A fungus that is attracted to wounded or stressed trees. It forms a canker or girdle on branches or the trunk, killing anything above it. This infection can cause large heavy branches to die, which pose a safety risk for the land below. To prevent this disease from spreading you can properly prune and trim your trees in dry winter weather. It causes multiple symptoms that depend on the species of tree that is affected. Overall look for discoloration and cankers on the tree for identification.
• Powdery Mildew: A fungus that is one of the most easily identified and widespread disease in trees. It’s characterized by spots of white to grayish powder-like growth on leaves, young stems, buds, flowers, and fruits. The mildew occurs when there is crowded vegetation with restricted air flow in a damp and shady area. It affects young growth more easily than older growth but can interrupt photosynthesis. This disease is best controlled by removing all infected plant parts and pruning the affected area for more air flow.
• Fire Blight: A harsh and fast-acting disease that can kill whole branches and shrubs in the rose family. Spread by insects, splashing rain, and contaminated pruning tools, the infection can cause leaves and branches to blacken and curl. Since there is no cure for the disease, prevention methods are needed, such as using chemical sprays and pruning/trimming off affected branches. Fire Blight occurs when spring weather is warmer than usual with heavy rain.
These are only a touch of how many diseases can affect trees in Colorado. For proper identification, hire a professional arborist to come to inspect your trees for any diseases.
Once found, they can take the proper steps in treating and further preventing the disease from spreading. In the cases where the disease has spread too far and the tree needs to be removed, you can count on Thornton Creek Tree Service to handle the job. We’re here to help you with any tree problem you encounter. Give us a call today for your free estimated rate, and we’ll send one of our arborists to come and inspect your trees!
We serve the entire north metro area including Thornton, Brighton, Northglenn, Federal Heights