Tree Diseases: How To Identify Them And Treat Them

Written by David Beaulieu and published on https://www.thespruce.com/

Tree fungus identification includes not only taking a good look at the fungus but also taking a look at the surrounding habitat. The growth of fungi is intricately linked to its surroundings. If it doesn’t find an ideal growing condition, it won’t be able to grow. The fungus was thought to be a group of plants, which lacked chlorophyll, but today, they are classified as a separate category of living things.

They are small structures with a short stem and a cap at the top, just like a mushroom. They are parasitic organisms as they suck food matter from their host and in turn the host becomes diseased. Some of the most common types of tree fungus include honey, beefsteak, and tinder fungus, as well as dwarf benches and puffballs.

Common Tree Fungus Identification and Treatment

Not all species are susceptible to all tree fungus diseases. Plus, not every tree fungus is fatal. Sometimes they merely mar a tree’s appearance. In cases where they are fatal, however, treatment is essential because a tree represents a substantial investment. When in doubt, consult an arborist.

Fungal diseases move around via spores, and spores spread in a variety of ways. Sometimes, there’s nothing you can do about the spread. Insects can bring spores with them, or spores can be spread by the elements. Spores traveling on the wind arrive no matter what you do. During a downpour, spores can be splashed up onto trees from the soil, although mulching provides a partial remedy, as it offers a barrier.

Other times, though, spore spread is entirely within your control. Spores can spread through improper irrigation, on gardening tools, and from your own body to susceptible trees

In these instances, you can prevent spore spread. Indeed, prevention is generally the answer to tree fungal issues. Disinfect tools, avoid contact with plants on wet days, and don’t over-water.

Understanding which species are most at risk, and learning to identify some of the most common types of tree fungus can help minimize any potential problems.

• 01of 10Dutch Elm Disease Ingwik – Fungal diseases are grouped into categories. The fatal Dutch elm disease falls into the “wilt” category. These fungi attack the vascular system. When its vascular system is weakened, your tree develops problems circulating water and nutrients.The fungus behind it is spread by elm-bark beetles. Signs that an elm tree has it show up in the foliage. The leaves can curl, drop, wilt and turn yellow.Growing resistant cultivars is the best option as treatment is difficult. 
• 02of 10Oak Wilt Wood Geek – The fatal oak wilt can attack any oak, but red oak (Quercus rubrum) is especially susceptible. This tree fungus is spread by sap beetles.For identification, look for wilting, browning out of season (spring or early summer), and leaf drop.Remove infected trees, especially if you are growing multiple oaks together, since the fungus spreads through intertwined root systems.FEATURED VIDEOVolume 0% 6 Sounds Birds Make and What They Mean
• 03of 10Verticillium Wilt USDA Forest Service – A third wilt disease is verticillium, which affects many trees and is potentially fatal. The fungi responsible are soil-borne. Trees with this fungus experience curling, drying up, and yellowing of leaves. Slow growth is another sign.No fungicide kills this. Your only option is prevention. The best step to take is growing a tree not susceptible to it, like arborvitae (Thuja spp.) or birch (Betula spp.).
• 04of 10Powdery Mildew Jerzy Opioła – Other fungal diseases fall into the foliar-disease category. Here, the fungal spores attack the leaves directly. If a plant has a powdery dusting on its foliage, then it is usually a sign of powdery mildew, the most common and easily recognizable of the foliar-disease tree fungus.Perennials like tall garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) commonly get it, but trees get it too. It’s not fatal, but, once a plant gets it, its appearance is spoiled until its leaves drop. To prevent it, space plants properly (promoting air circulation) and practice sound irrigation policies.
• 05of 10Shot Hole Fungus CoolKoon – Although another fungus in the foliar class, shot hole fungus goes beyond leaving blotches, and instead leaves holes. This leads to misidentification, as it looks like insects could have caused the damage.Fortunately, reddish-brown spots precede the holes, so, if you’re paying attention, you won’t be fooled. By mid-summer, the leaves turn yellow and drop. One reason to take this fungus seriously is that it puts your tree under stress, and insects and other plant diseases can take advantage of the stress to infest the tree. Cherry trees (Prunus) are especially vulnerable. Helpfully, several fungicides can be used as treatment.
• 06of 10Sooty Mold Amnon Shavit – This foliar disease looks worse than it really is, although it does, indirectly, harm trees by depriving them of sunlight (thus stunting their growth).It takes the form of a black film covering the leaves. Scale insects are ultimately responsible for the presence of sooty mold. Control these insects with neem oil, and you won’t have trouble with this tree fungus.
• 07of 10Anthracnose Clemson University – Anthracnose is another foliar disease, although its identifying tan or brown spots (sometimes surrounded by purplish rings) can also appear on a tree’s berries. An infected tree suffers dieback eventually. Prior to that, you’ll notice blotches and wilting on the leaves.Like many fungi, it’s especially active in spring. It’s harbored in winter by leaves you allowed to stay on the ground from last year. Raking up those leaves and taking them elsewhere is the simple solution. Trees stressed for too long by this disease become susceptible to insect infestations.Dogwood (Cornus spp.) is one of the popular trees that’s highly susceptible to this fungus, which is fatal.
• 08of 10Cercospora Leaf Spot Forest and Kim Starr – Crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia spp.) is one of the trees bothered by this type of foliar disease, characterized by brown circles surrounding tan blotches. As more spots appear, leaves become unable to carry out photosynthesis, and overall tree health suffers. Several fungicides are available for treatment.
• 09of 10Apple Canker Cherubino – Canker compromises a separate set of tree fungus diseases. Different cankers affect different trees, apple (Malus spp.) and butternut (Juglans cinerea) among them.Cankers can take the form of bumps or odd growths on branches, but, conversely, they may also appear as sunken patches of bark.Infected branches eventually die. Aim for prevention to control canker. This includes providing good drainage and avoiding causing any wounds that could be exploited by the fungus.
• 10of 10Armillaria Root Rot Holger Krisp – Root rot is another category of fungus diseases. Armillaria root rot is also known as “oak root fungus,” but it affects far more than just oak trees. Various fungi are responsible for root rot, including Phytophthora and Armillaria. Root rot is fatal.Although the presence of Armillaria is sometimes indicated by mushrooms, don’t rely on mushrooms as an indicator. Look, instead, for browning or yellowing of leaves, wilting leaves, leaf drop, and stunted growth. Control root rot through prevention:
  • When watering, direct irrigation at ground level and keep any spray off trunk and foliage
  • Apply water at dripline, not up against trunk
  • Avoid over-watering
  • Ensure proper drainage

Original post here https://www.thespruce.com/tree-fungus-identification-and-treatment-5105389/.