Trees are essential to the beauty and health of your Medford property. Like any living thing, they can get sick. Knowing the early signs of tree diseases helps keep them healthy. At Quality Tree Service Medford, we have skilled arborists who are great at spotting and fixing tree problems so that your trees stay green and in good shape.
Common Tree Diseases in Medford
Sudden Oak Death (Phytophthora ramorum)
Sudden Oak Death has become a tremendous problem in southern Oregon, including Medford. This fungal-like pathogen attacks tanoaks and other species of oaks. Tanoaks develop bleeding cankers, while other oaks generally succumb to leaf blight and general tree decline that sets in rather rapidly. Most symptoms include dark lesions on leaves and stems with characteristic bark ooze, which is blackish or reddish in color. If these signs are observed, contacting a professional arborist would be imperative.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that attacks several tree species, such as ash, oak, and sycamore. In Medford’s climate, it strikes during the cool, wet spring. The symptoms are manifested through dark sunken spots on leaves, which curl them up and eventually cause leaves to drop before their time. It does not kill a tree most of the time, but the trees will become weakened and lose their aesthetic value.
Armillaria Root Rot
Armillaria Root Rot is a fungal disease that lives in the soil and attacks a wide range of trees in Oregon. It results in the decay of roots, ultimately killing the tree. The most common symptoms include yellowing foliage, crown thinning, and white mycelial fan growth under the bark.
Canker Diseases
Cankers refer to localized areas of dead bark that may be induced by infection with a myriad of organisms, including fungi and bacteria. Ash and maple trees are two species among others that generate canker diseases in Medford. It shows up as sunken, discolored patches on the branch or trunk; when allowed to go unchecked, it girdles the tree, cutting off the flow of nutrients.
Emerald Ash Borer
The emerald ash borer is an invasive beetle recently found in Oregon. Emerald ash will infest the trees it has gotten into (usually takes about a year). Signs are dieback, bark splits, and increased woodpecker activity. It can quickly infest other trees; early detection and management are crucial.
How to Identify Tree Diseases
Early detection of disease will require regular tree inspections. Look for the following:
- Discolored or wilting leaves may indicate a fungal or bacterial infection.
- Unusual growths, such as galls or cankers, may also be indicators that there is a disease.
- Cracks and splits in the bark, plus oozing sap, are signs of canker diseases or insects; this is generally an insect problem.
- Premature leaf drop is normally attributed to anthracnose or other foliar diseases.
- Dieback from the tips of the branches indicates possible root or vascular problems.
Preventative Measures and Treatment
- Prune and burn all infected branches during dry seasons of the year so as not to allow the infection to spread.
- Healthy trees are well-watered, mulched, and fertilized.
- Do not wound trees with lawnmowers or in any construction activity around the place.
- Always engage certified arborists for proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Why Choose Quality Tree Service Medford
Quality Tree Service Medford values the lives and wellness of your trees. Our arborists can perform proper tree care by diagnosing diseases, treating them, and providing preventive maintenance.
Contact Quality Tree Service Medford today for a complete tree health assessment. Let us help you keep your trees healthy and your landscape flourishing.