I have been diagnosing tree problems in Southern Utah for 25 years, and these are the 10 most common tree care problems I have encountered.
Aphids
- Common problem from late March through August
- Small pear shaped insects found on and under leaves
- Leaves will be sticky from a honeydew substance the aphids excrete: this honeydew substance may drip from the tree sticking to anything below the tree
- Leaves may curl around insects
- Tree may appear a little off color
- Wasps and ants may be attracted to the honeydew the aphids produce
Borer Damage Insects
- Prevalent though out growing season
- More common on ash, birch, Locust, poplar and willow
- Smal borer holes and frass (sawdust like material) may be found on limbs, trunk and in branch crotches
- One or more branches may die
- Sparse growth throughout the tree is common
- Often the branches or stem will swell where infested
Broad-Leaf Weed Killer Damage (2,4-D)
- Frequently caused by herbicide applications made during hot weather (85 F+)
- Prevalent May through September
- Leaves curl or cup inward
- Veins become prominent
- Small stems may curl
Iron Chlorosis
- Prevalent throughout the growing season- Veins remain green while the area between veins turn yellow
- Newer growth is usually more susceptible than older
- Excess soil moisture reduces the availability of iron
- In severe cases leaves can turn almost white, will be smaller than normal, can have brown spots or edges and scorch in hot weather
- Some tree species (Catalpa, peach, pines, and silver maple) are more susceptible than others
Mechanical Damage
- Damage around the base of trunk caused from mowers and trimmers and other equipment
- Damage to the internal transport, vascular system from tight tie sites or ropes
- Bark may slough off above the wound
- Tree will show restricted growth and may be weaker on one side
- Branches above wound may be weakened and show signs of stress
Root Rot
- Tree is loose in the soil and if the trunk is rocked back and forth the soil around the crown may move
- Soil around roots may have a distinct odor of rot or mildew
- Roots are soft, and may be streaked internally with the colors of black, brown or purple
- Leaves may be yellow; sparse and drop early
- Skin of small roots may slip easily
- Few or no small white feeder roots
Slime Flux
- It is a bacterial infection of the vascular system, fermenting the sap and causing pressure to build up under the bark
- Prevalent throughout the year
- Frequently affects elms, mulberries, poplars and willows
- Slime, foam or ooze exudes from the tree, sometimes associated with a wound
- The area may have a fermented putrid smell that attracts insects
- The oozing discolors the bark where ti runs down the tree
Summer Scorch
- Caused by very hot dry weather or a compromised root system
- Symptoms are most prevalent June through September
- Leaf margins and inter veinal area turn brown and die
- Southwest side of tree and branches over driveways, roads and other hard surfaces may be more affected
- Trees with large leaves may be more affected than smaller leaves
- Iron deficient trees scorch more easily
Verticillium Wilt
- Caused by a soil borne fugue that invades the vascular system reducing sap flow
- Affects tree throughout growing season
- One or many branches may wilt, become weakened, sparse or die
- When wood is cut into, a characteristic brown to gray streaking may be found
- The disease can be fatal
Normal Needle Drop
- Common on many arborvitae, pines and other evergreens
- Interior needles turn brown
- New or outer needles remain green
- More common in fall but may occur anytime
So there you have the 10 most common tree problems in Southern Utah.
I have seen these in St. George, Cedar City, Ivins, Bloomington and throughout the state.
Please feel free to contact Master Arbor to get a Diagnosis of your tree problems.
There are some preventative alternatives that will keep your tree healthy.
Tree care is our business
Any questions or comments are very welcome
Kevan (Master Arbor) masterarbor@gmail.com
Web site www.master-arbor.com
