Evergreen trees and shrubs are lovely additions to any property. Their year-round color and relatively low maintenance make them a great choice just about anywhere.
But even though they may not require a lot of upkeep once they are established, evergreens are susceptible to diseases that will be fatal if left untreated. Here are some common maladies that can attack evergreens and what to look for.
Rust
Rust diseases are fungal infections that attack evergreens. If caught early, these are treatable by removing the affected limbs. Look for powdery spores, usually red, orange, or yellow, on the leaves or needles of your tree. Cankers and galls may also form if the rust disease progresses further.
To treat this fungus, prune infected limbs and leaves. Clear all debris from the base of the tree after pruning and disinfect your loppers or pruners after trimming the affected areas to avoid spreading the fungus. Keep the leaves or needles dry, watering the tree low down beneath the branches.
Cankers
Cankers are spots on the tree where the bark has died. This can happen due to disease or to mechanical wounds to the bark from machinery such as lawnmowers. Look for areas of decay, usually elongated, on your evergreen’s branches and trunk. There may be dead or dying leaves near the canker as well.
For cankers that appear on limbs, prune infected limbs to remove the infections and then disinfect your pruning tools. Once cankers are on the tree’s trunk, they are usually fatal. Contact your Tampa Tree care experts to help you decide if the evergreen is salvageable.
Root Rot
Overly damp soil can lead to fungal infections that cause root rot in your evergreens. If you see wilting leaves or needles changing color, your tree may have root rot. Expose some of the root system and take a look. Roots that look black or feel soft and mushy are likely infected. If you see shoestring-like strands twisted into the roots, that is an indication of shoestring fungal disease.
Sadly, trees rarely recover from this type of disease. If you suspect your evergreen has root rot, contact your Tampa Tree arborist to determine the best course of action. Typically, the tree and all roots need to be removed to try to stop it from spreading to other plants. Give us a call today, and we’ll help you with the right plan.
