10 Proven Methods for Tree Disease Identification

Tree disease diagnosis is difficult to get right, especially when it happens in a hurry. We can't always be relied on for accurate diagnosis because of the lack of knowledge and sometimes time restraints. Hiring a tree healthcare specialist is the best ways for regular monitoring to inspect the most obvious as well as invisible infestations and diseases. Here are ten proven methods:

1) Tree Disease Diagnosis Through Disease Cycle

Tree disease diagnosis can be made easy by observing the life cycle or pathogen (causing agent) involved in the attack. Most diseases follow a four-stage development pattern consisting of infection/infestation, incubation period, active infection and propagation stage followed by dispersal phase. The timing of the appearance of symptoms also helps - for instance, early leaf drop (early autumn) could be sign of infection by bleeding canker. Tree leaves turn brown and fall off at the end of summer.

2) Tree Disease Diagnosis Through Tree Defences

Tree disease diagnosis through tree defences is possible with some diseases like Dutch elm disease (DED). Elm trees are quite susceptible to DED because they lack resistance genes that produce enzymes that break down the fungus. We should look out for wilting leaves or dying branches that quickly turn brown followed by whole canopy dieback. The key parts where damage occurs first are termed epicormic shoots which sprout from the trunk and branches of elm trees. The fungus enters through wounds caused by insects, pruning or storms.

3) Tree Disease Diagnosis Through Tree Symptoms

Tree disease diagnosis through tree symptoms is simple enough if you know what to look for - here are some examples:

• Tree leaves turn brown, die and fall off

• Tree bark cracks and splits with no sign of insect infestation (drought stress in most cases)

• Tree trunk dies back from crown to ground level (a few branch stubs may remain attached near the top of dead trunk)

• Tree branches die back, leaving a 'shepherd's crook' appearance Sometimes branches will be killed but the tree is not affected, so there are signs of recovery. Tree owners can also look for cottony, white spore masses on the bark, twigs and leaves which indicate presence of fungus in a diseased tree.

4) Tree Disease Diagnosis Through Tree Physical Symptoms

Tree disease diagnosis through physical symptoms is based on various types of abnormalities including bumps or swellings, formations of galls or cankers caused by insects or fungi attacking trees. Tree stems may also become distorted because of fungal attack. Tree crowns turn yellow along with wilting leaves because nutrients cannot get to them from the soil due to root damage from pathogens - I think this happens with trees struggling to cope with verticillium wilt. Tree owners should look out for these symptoms which are common to most diseases affecting trees.

5) Tree Disease Diagnosis Through Tree Root Symptoms

Tree disease diagnosis through root symptoms is achieved by digging around the roots of a diseased tree with an aim to see what's going on underground. Tree disease diagnosis through root symptoms usually begins with checking for pathogen (causing agent) presence on the surface of roots. Tree bark is rough in texture; however, look out for smooth areas on the roots which indicate accumulation of pathogen fruiting bodies on them. We should look out for these symptoms which are common to most diseases affecting trees.

6) Tree Disease Diagnosis Through Tree Stem Symptoms

Tree disease diagnosis through stem symptoms includes browning/yellowing of leaves accompanied by loss of leaves, narrow crowns with few leaves remaining on branches plus dieback of new shoots. We should look out for these symptoms which are common to most diseases affecting trees. Tree bark cracks and splits with no sign of insect infestation (drought stress in most cases). This symptoms usually begins with checking for pathogen (causing agent) presence on the surface of roots. Tree may become distorted because of fungal attack. Tree bark is rough in texture; however, look out for smooth areas on the roots which indicate accumulation of pathogen fruiting bodies on them.

7) Tree Disease Diagnosis Through Tree Crown Symptoms

Tree crowns turn yellow along with wilting leaves. This disease symptoms includes browning/yellowing of leaves accompanied by loss of leaves, narrow crowns with few leaves remaining on branches plus dieback of new shoots. Tree owners should look out for these symptoms which are common to most diseases affecting trees.

9) Tree Disease Diagnosis Using Natural Resistance Indicators

Tree disease diagnosis using natural resistance indicators is achieved by studying plant's natural characteristics - e.g. Tree's reaction to pest/pathogen attack, environment changes, stress by natural factors, diseases affecting neighboring trees.

10) Tree Disease Diagnosis Through Tree Stem Swelling Tree

Tree disease diagnosis through stem symptoms includes browning/yellowing of leaves accompanied by loss of leaves, narrow crowns with few leaves remaining on branches plus dieback of new shoots. Tree owners should look out for these symptoms which are common to most diseases affecting trees. Stem swelling on young stems accompanied by wilting becomes apparent when one removes bark at an angle upwards towards the branch tip - you will find a green layer of bark.

We hope these ten proven methods for tree disease identification will help you learn more about the early warning signs of a variety of common and not-so-common diseases that can affect your trees. If you’ve identified any symptoms on your property, don’t wait to call in a tree care expert like Tree Doctor. Our team is here to diagnose and treat most types of tree problems quickly and efficiently. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!