Trees add life and beauty to our properties. To get the most from your trees, you must give them extra loving care. One of the common problems you’ll need to deal with is tree fungi.
When fungal spores come into contact with a vulnerable tree, they enter, grow, and feed on the tree. Not all fungi cause harm to your trees, though. Some even have health benefits.
So, how do you differentiate between good and bad fungi?
In this post, you’ll learn how to identify tree fungus, common types of tree fungus, and whether they’re harmful to your tree. As the best tree removal service in Phoenix, our experts at Tree Workers of Phoenix are ready to help protect your trees.
Verticillium Wilt
Many trees are vulnerable to Verticillium Wilt. This disease results from soil-borne fungi and can potentially kill your plant.
Some signs that your tree suffers from this fungus include curling, yellowing leaves, and drying up. Some infected trees also experience slow growth.
Sadly, trying to kill Verticillium Wilt with any fungicide would be an effort in futility. Prevention is the way to go if you want to protect your plants against this deadly fungus. Simply plant trees that aren’t susceptible to this disease, like birch or arborvitae!
Dutch Elm Disease
The Dutch Elm Disease attacks a tree’s vascular system. Once your tree’s vascular system becomes weak, it won’t be able to circulate water and nutrients efficiently.
Elm-bark beetles are responsible for spreading the fungus behind this fatal disease. If you notice the leaves on your tree curling, wilting, yellowing, and dropping, you’re most likely dealing with Dutch Elm Disease.
Treating this disease isn’t an easy endeavor. You’re better off planting resistant cultivars.
Powdery Mildew
Any experienced arborist teaching you how to identify tree fungus will hardly forget about Powdery Mildew. It’s the most easily recognizable foliar-disease tree fungus.
If you notice powdery spots on leaves, it often indicates powdery mildew. While it can affect any tree, this disease mostly attacks perennials such as tall garden phlox. But it won’t kill your tree.
Once it affects a plant, the disease will destroy the plant’s appearance until its leaves fall. To protect your plants against Powdery Mildew, make sure there’s sufficient space between them so air can circulate more freely. Also, implement proper irrigation policies.
Oak Wilt
Oak wilt can attack any oak, but it’s most unforgiving to red oak. Sap beetles spread this deadly wilt.
You’ll know your tree has oak will when it wilts, browns out of season, or loses its leaves. To control this fungus, remove all infected trees from your yard. This is because the disease spreads via intertwined root systems.
Contact Your Local Tree Experts for Assistance
Still can’t identify tree fungus? Our experts at Tree Workers of Phoenix can help. We’re your go-to local arborist in Phoenix, AZ.
Our services include:
- Tree removal
- Tree planting and fertilizing
- Emergency tree care services
Give us a call at 602-320-2797 for a free estimate or to learn about what causes a tree to die.
