The Most Common Tree Diseases You Should Know About

Your Essential Guide

Like all living things, trees are vulnerable to diseases that can significantly impact their health and longevity. As a leading tree survey Ipswich provider, we have years of experience when it comes to identifying tree diseases and recommending the most appropriate courses of action. Here are some that you should know about.

Dutch Elm Disease

Dutch elm disease is a devastating disease caused by a fungus that is spread by elm bark beetles. It can quickly kill affected trees, so it’s vital to take quick action. Symptoms include yellowing and wilting of leaves, usually starting at the top of the tree and progressing downward. The branches often show brown streaks under the bark.

Ash Dieback

Ash dieback is a disease affecting ash trees across the UK. Once again caused by a fungus, signs that it is present include leaf loss, crown dieback, and the formation of diamond-shaped lesions on the bark. Severely affected trees may die within a few years – and while there is no cure, monitoring can be very effective.

Oak Processionary Moth

The Oak Processionary Moth is an invasive pest that, as its name suggests, affects oak trees. The larvae feed on oak leaves, causing significant defoliation. In addition to damaging trees, the hairs on the caterpillars can cause skin irritation – which is why it is vital to call in the professionals if you notice them or their webbing nests.

Honey Fungus

Honey fungus is the most destructive fungal disease in UK gardens. It attacks the roots of trees, leading to rot and eventual tree death. Symptoms include honey-coloured mushrooms at the base of the tree. On the tree itself, look for black bootlace-like rhizomorphs under the bark, and a distinctive white, fan-like mycelium.

Horse Chestnut Bleeding Canker

Horse chestnut bleeding canker is a bacterial disease, and it gets its name from the dark, bleeding lesions on the trunk and branches. Some infections remain stable for years and have little effect on the crown. Other infestations spread quickly and cause crown deterioration, die-back and even death of part or all of the tree. Luckily, we can tell which stage the disease is at right away.

Chestnut Blight

Chestnut blight is a severe fungal disease that affects chestnut trees. It enters through wounds in the bark, forming cankers that girdle branches and trunks. Without removing and destroying infected branches, tree death can occur. The great news is that resistant chestnut varieties are available, so it could eventually be wiped out.

Pine Beetles

Beetles are some of the most common tree pests and you should be aware of the damage that they can cause. Pine beetles are destructive pests that attack pine trees. The beetles bore into the bark, disrupting the flow of nutrients and water. Symptoms include reddish-brown boring dust and pitch tubes on the trunk.

Gypsy Moth Caterpillar

The Gypsy Moth Caterpillar is an invasive pest that defoliates a wide range of tree species. Infestations lead to severe leaf loss, weakening trees and making them susceptible to other stresses. Regular monitoring and early intervention are key to managing this pest, so be sure to keep an eye out for large brownish yellow and black hairy caterpillars with red and blue markings.

Talk to Us

We deal with a wide range of tree diseases, and we can help you get to the root of the issue and restore your garden to full health. So why not get in touch with us today?

Written by

Paul Thomas