What are the most common tree diseases?

We’re here to help

As the tree surgeons Ipswich residents trust, we have lots of experience dealing with tree diseases. Here are some of the four most common tree diseases, and what you can do to stop them progressing any further.

Canker diseases

Canker diseases are some of the most common in the UK. This group of diseases mainly affect the pine, poplar, spruce and willow trees. It occurs when a fungal or bacterial pathogen enters sapwood or bark through a wound. Eventually, the tree’s vascular system becomes blocked, and nutrients cannot be absorbed. Treatment options include keeping on top of tree maintenance, protecting the tree during the winter, and having any branches infected with canker removed.

Diplodia tree blight

Up next is Diplodia tip blight. This disease can affect a number of different trees, although it is most often seen in conifers. New growth is stunted and turns yellow before changing to brown and dying. It’s most often seen in trees that are stressed, so taking care of them is essential. Be sure to keep them watered and mulched during dry periods. If your tree does become infected, call in your local tree surgeon to move dead branches and apply pesticides as directed.

Fire blight

Fire blight gets its name from the visible signs of the disease: scorched-looking branches and leaves that turn shrivelled and black as if they have been burnt. The only way to treat the disease is to cut away all infected wood, leaving nothing but healthy wood behind. An experienced tree surgeon will have no problem doing this, as they will have worked with plenty of trees infected with fire blight over the years.

Oak wilt

Last but not least is oak wilt. As the name suggests, it’s a disease that’s specific to oak trees. Unfortunately, it is fatal to trees in the red oak group. However, those in the white oak family are more resilient. Proper care of your oak trees is essential if you’re going to protect them – as is not pruning them during the summer months. Not sure when is the best time to trim them back? Contact a tree surgeon, and they will know when is the perfect time to prune them.

Call in the experts

With the right care, a tree can survive infection and then go on to thrive in the years to come. If you do notice any signs of infection, it’s always best to get in touch with a tree surgeon. We have lots of experience dealing with a wide range of tree diseases, from the ones listed above to other, less common tree afflictions. We’ll quickly to able to decide which kind of treatment is most appropriate, and then provide you with advice on what to do going forward.

Contact us today

Do you have a tree that you’d like us to look at? Then please get in touch with our team today. They’ll be able to answer your questions and arrange a visit to your property as soon as it suits you, getting your tree the attention it needs as quickly as possible.

Written by

fse-admin