Tree Diseases To Look Out For In Webster, NY
Accurately spotting tree diseases and insect infestation can be very difficult to the untrained eye. Our team has come up with a list of some diseases that have affected our ecosystem in Webster, New York or areas nearby.
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
The Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive beetle that originated from Asia, and was spotted first in New York in 2009. As per its name, it feeds on all species of ash trees. Mature beetles only nibble on the leaves and don't do permanent damage, however the larva and young feed on the inner bark. When the beetles mature, they leave d shaped exit holes in the tree. After being infected by the bug, ash trees typically succumb to death within 2-5 years. Warning signs for the insect include dieback of the crown starting at the top and working its way down, s shaped galleries that the larva have made being exposed in the bark, and increased woodpecker activity as stated by the EAB Network. Insecticides can be used to mitigate the bug, but the chemicals are systemic and can't heal the tree. Most ash tress can be treated when 50 percent or less of the crown is thinning. The insecticides can also do a great job at preventing the bug from laying its larva but must be done regularly to stay effective.
Dutch Elm Disease
DED is a fungal infection that attacks all native elms. Its spreads by elm bark beetles transporting the fungus to healthy trees. The beetles lay their eggs in recently dead or dying elms. The fungus initially grows when the infected tree dies and as the beetles mature they find new food sources, and in turn transfer the disease to healthy specimens. Warning signs of the disease include yellowing and or dying foliage, usually confined to one or more branches in the canopy. Slow canopy dieback occurs and the tree succumbs to the infection. Dutch elm disease is best treated through proper pruning techniques and preventative fungicides. Fungicides should be left up to certified arborists for proper techniques and timing. This disease also spreads through root grafts, or connected root systems underground, transferring the fungal infection to nearby healthy trees. Due to this it's best to have the root grafts separated upon removing an infected elm.
Oak Wilt
Oak wilt is a fungal infection spread by Nitidulid, or sap sucking beetles. These beetles feed on trees that are infected by the fungus being attracted by the sweet smell. They then transfer the fungus to healthy oaks through feeding on open wounds of the tree. Once infected the disease can spread to nearby trees through root grafts or touching roots underground. It attacks trees in the red oak family (scarlet oak, black oak, pin oak, northern oak, etc.) much more violently than those in the white oak family (swamp oak, bur oak, post oak, chestnut oak, etc.). Oak wilt hasn't been reported in Webster however it has been spotted in Canandaigua, South Bristol, and Glenville. Oak wilt symptoms include leaves that are turning brown starting at the tip of the leaf and moving inward, leaves falling off mid summer while they still have green on them, yellowing or thinning of the crown, and red fungal mats being exposed under the bark or the bark easily being separated or becoming loose. Prevention for the fungal spores can be accomplished through trained fungicide injections, however the only cure if found to be infected, is resorting to removing the tree and surrounding oaks to prevent the spread. This should be done by a professional to create a treatment boundary, severing the root grafts underground to nearby healthy oaks is also needed.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is another fungal spore that attaches to the leaves of trees and plants. The infections start small and grow rapidly to form white powdery or felt like patches on flowers, leaves, buds, and stems. Unlike other fungal infections, powdery mildew rarely if ever will kill your trees. It can however stunt growth or reduce the quality of life of the tree or plants. This fungus is primarily spread by wind blowing the spores off of infected plants and finding their way to healthy specimens. To treat this infection, proper pruning techniques to increase airflow as well as either at home remedies like neem oil, or commercial fungicides will properly kill off this infection to keep trees thriving and healthy,
Root Rot
Root rot derives from prolonged periods of wet and soggy soil, this prevents the tree from properly taking in nutrients and oxygen which quickly deteriorates the roots. Fungal infections due to the spores thriving in moist conditions are also considered root rot. The signs of this disease are general unhealthiness of the tree, thinning of the crown or dieback, possible blackening of the bark at breast height or below, and mushroom growth on the base of the tree or around its perimeter. Root rot can affect many different species of trees and it closely mimics other types diseases, thus making it pertinent to be diagnoses by a certified arborist for accurate techniques in bringing the tree back. Most accounts require complete removal of the tree, stump, and root systems. However it's not unheard of to bring a wilting tree back by fixing drainage issues and removing only the damaged roots, if caught in the early stages.