Tree fungus is a leading cause of disease in trees across the United States. One easy solution might be to enlist a reliable tree service in Fayetteville, AR.

If you would like to learn more before climbing into the greenery, the experts at Trees N Scapes Unlimited also share some practical solutions below.

Common Fungal Tree Diseases and Their Effects

Could tree fungi kill a tree? Yes. Besides creating a hazard for fire, blight and other diseases are detrimental to the health of trees across Arkansas.

Vascular Wilts

As the name suggests, this fungal disease weakens the tree’s vascular system by undermining efficient nutrient and water supply. It wilts in response to a pathogen in the plants’ xylem vessels, which usually leads to the death of part of the stem and the foliage it supports. Dutch Elm disease is the most common vascular wilts problem, with Elm-bark beetles spreading the fungus and causing the leaves to curl up, drop off, or turn yellow.

Foliar Diseases

This category of disease sees fungal spores directly attacking the leaves and creating large or small blotches. The leaves die as the problem spreads.

Powdery mildew is the most common and easily identifiable foliar-disease tree fungus. It resembles a powder-like dusting on tree foliage and mainly affects perennials such as tall garden phlox. While it is not fatal, powdery mildew looks terrible as it compromises the plant’s appeal.

Other diseases in the foliar category include:

• Shot Hole Fungus
• Sooty Mold
• Anthracnose
• Cercospora Leaf Spot

Canker Diseases

Cankers are another common fungus-related disease, with different cankers affecting different species. For example, apple canker harms apple trees as it enters through wounds on the branch stubs. Incorrect tree pruning methods are among the major causes of these canker diseases.

Cankers manifest as bumps or odd growths on tree branches or sunken patches of tree bark. Arkansas hardwoods are prone to these diseases, and most infected branches will die eventually.

Root Rot Diseases

These tree fungus diseases kill a tree’s roots, but before that, they cause extensive decay within the tree trunks. Root rot compromises the tree’s entire structural integrity, often with no warning signs visible on the outside.

Armillaria Root Rot is a common root disease, sometimes identifiable by the presence of mushrooms on and around the tree. However, mushrooms are not a reliable enough indicator to confirm Armillaria. Instead, look for:

• Yellowing or browning levels
• Wilting leaves
• Leaves dropping in the wrong season
• Stunted growth

Most root rot diseases develop over several years unnoticed, but a clear indication could be fruiting bodies at the base of your tree.

Lasting Solutions for Tree-related Fungus

In most cases, Arkansas property owners can easily save their fungi-infected trees if they know what to do. Prevention is the most effective remedy, as healthy trees are less susceptible to fungal infection and other problems. Numerous methods promote health in trees, including:

• Watering during dry periods
• Maintaining a proper fertilization schedule 
• Applying fungicides to inhibit fungi growth where necessary
• Proper pruning to promote a robust structure for healthy, young trees

It might help to learn how often to water newly planted trees, as well as to seek professional assistance with tasks like tree removal or cutting large limbs away from older trees. Incorrect pruning often results in large wounds that might be prone to fungi growth. However, it is still critical to remove diseased or dead limbs for the sake of consistent tree growth.

Why not contact our experienced tree service professionals? Call Trees N Scapes Unlimited at (479) 802-5766 today for help with handling tree fungus, grinding stumps, garden design, and more.