Identify and Prevent the Fungal Disease Anthracnose in Your Tree

The signs and symptoms of anthracnose might vary according to the kind of plant infected, the weather, and the time of year. Symptoms of anthracnose include leaf, twig, and branch chlorosis and death, as well as browning and death of plant tissue. In only a few days, anthracnose may turn a lovely crop into rotting garbage. Tree Doctor USA’s licensed arborists have dealt with this illness before and can assist you in dealing with it.

Are the trees susceptible in the first place?

Annually shedding trees are the most susceptible to anthracnose. Anthracnose is more likely to attack trees that have been damaged by other reasons, such as environmental stress, nutritional imbalance, or pest and other diseases.

Some of the most common trees for anthracnose are ash, basswood, elm, maple, oak, sycamore, and walnut. 

Are the trees showing any signs of damage?

Leaf, twig, stem, and bud anthracnose development differs from tree to tree. Infected leaves appear black in the early spring and might be mistaken for frost-damaged ones.

The signs of anthracnose include:

  • Curled, cupped, or deformed leaves are common symptoms of an infection.
  • Leaf drop may be caused by a severe infection in the spring. If leaf drop happens, trees will develop a second set of leaves by midsummer.
  • Tanto dark brown patches may appear on mature leaves as a result of anthracnose, although the leaves do not cup or distort. It is not uncommon to see leaf blotches on mature leaves that look like insect-feeding wounds.
  • Lower and inner branches of the tree frequently have the most severe leaf problems, although these symptoms may spread upwards through the canopy.
  • Young leaves are covered in patches or blotches of tan to brown color.

Knowing about how it spreads

In order for the fungus to begin growing and infecting the tree, they need water or moisture. For the duration of the winter, the fungus hideout among decaying twigs and leaves. Spores are dispersed by splashing rain or sprinkler water, wind, insects, and gardening equipment in the spring. When it’s wet and warm, it tends to spread to the leaves and younger twigs.

The ideal temperature for fungal spores to flourish is between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot, dry weather tends to delay and diminish the severity of the condition.

Why should you contact an expert?

An expert is likely to have all the necessary equipment, tools, chemicals, and medicine to stop the further growth of anthracnose.  There is also an issue of finding out if there is really a problem. Many trees are damaged just because the owners apply over-the-counter products or chemicals they do not have the full knowledge about.

If you want anthracnose treatment for trees you should hire experts instead of opting for DIY-ing. Tree doctor USA provides affordable solutions. Call us to know more about our services.

How to prevent Anthracnose

  • Invest in disease-resistant tree varieties
  • Plant in soil that is well-drained
  • Compost is a great way to boost the health of your plants.
  • When trees are completely matured, spreading them far enough apart can speed up the drying process of their leaves (this will maximize air circulation and increase sunlight)
  • A drip sprinkler may be used to water your plants
  • Don’t handle the plants if they’re wet.
  • Avoid letting ripening fruit come into contact with the ground.
  • Plants should be rotated every 2-3 years.
  • Make use of antifungal agents.
  • Removing contaminated leaves and debris in the autumn can help prevent spring infections.

Author Bio:- Jordan Everett (Tree & Plant Healthcare Specialist)

Jordan Everett is a tree and plant health care specialist at Tree Doctor. He is highly experienced in diagnosing and treating numerous tree and plant species. Correct identification of the tree healthcare problem, proper care, and regular monitoring is of utmost importance to let your tree grow stress-free and stay healthy.

So, to make readers aware of tree health dangers, requirements, and management, he has given extensive information on invisible signs of health hazards to trees, plants, and shrubs, secrets of tree preservation, tree & plant health care tips, and soil & root care treatment through his blogs. Read our recent post related to tree and plant health problems, in-depth assessment, unique treatment solutions, prevention, tips to improve drought tolerance, how to increase tree and plant longevity, stabilize older and declining trees in San Diego.