Fungal diseases are very common in trees and, in many cases, can inflict severe health problems. If a big tree on your property is attacked by a fungal disease, then it could soon be weakened to the point that it is much more likely to topple over in high winds. Because this creates a serious safety hazard, such trees should be safely cut down before they come crashing down on their own. At Jireh Tree Care, our local arborists can identify dead or dying trees and then remove them as necessary. Here are four common fungal diseases in North American trees.

Anthracnose

A sign of anthracnose is that the leaves have dark lesions on them. The leaves may then fall off. Trees commonly survive anthracnose, but this fungal disease can weaken the tree and make it more prone to dying young. Species that are often infected with anthracnose include sycamores, dogwoods, and ash trees. 

Fusarium Wilt

This fungal disease is known for sickening palm trees. It attacks through the roots and then works its way up through the tree, ultimately causing the tree to die. Fusarium wilt is incurable. When a big palm tree is afflicted by it, the tree needs to be safely cut down so it doesn’t pose a safety risk. Indications of fusarium wilt can include yellowing, stunting, and wilting.

Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew causes white blotches to appear on leaves. These spots typically look powdery and/or fuzzy. This fungal disease can infect just about any type of tree in the country. While it doesn’t generally kill the tree, it can cause significant health problems such as leaves turning brown and dropping.

Oak Wilt

This disease infects oak trees and is quite brutal. It stops water and nutrients from moving through the tree, causing wilt and death. If your oak trees’ leaves turn yellow/brown and start to fall, then there’s a good chance you’re dealing with oak wilt.

Arborist in Fort Lauderdale, FL

When you need tree services in Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding area, contact Jireh Tree Care at (754) 280-2855. Feel free to give us a call today to request a free arborist estimate in Fort Lauderdale!