Four Common Tree Diseases in Virginia Beach To Lookout For

Four Common Tree Diseases in Virginia Beach To Lookout For

Tree diseases in Virginia Beach cause the loss of tons of beautiful trees each year. It’s unfortunate because many infected trees can make a full recovery with the help of a dependable Virginia Beach tree service.

Why bring in Virginia Beach Tree professionals? 

Maintaining healthy Virginia Beach trees requires several factors that anyone can accomplish if they put their mind to it. Thanks to the number of trees in Virginia alone, it is more difficult for even the most experienced enthusiast to keep up with everything that could go terribly wrong. Throw in common diseases with similar symptoms, and you have the perfect recipe for disaster. Most importantly, the key to breaking the cycle is always in early detection.

Common Tree Diseases in Virginia

Oak Wilt

Despite the name, oak wilt can spread to chestnuts and beeches through insects carrying fungal spores. The spores find their homes in wounds in the bark or are drawn up by the roots. The results can prove fatal as the fungus spreads throughout the tree’s vascular system.

Indicators could manifest in the crown, with leaves becoming pale in color before turning bronze or yellow and prematurely dropping. Most importantly, a speedy response is the only way to likely save the tree while preventing it from spreading.

Beech Bark Disease (BBD)

BBD is one of the tree diseases in Virginia Beach that seems to keep on giving. It consists of two organisms working in together to bore into the bark. Also, beech scale insects scar the bark, leaving it vulnerable to infestation by fungus, which results in killing the tree.

It is simple to miss the point of entry of the beetle, but the insect itself is definitely noticeable to anyone looking for it. It has a coating made from light wax and congregates with others of its type. Also, insecticide can assist in killing the beetles, but the fungus requires professional treatment with specialized treatments.

Discula Anthracnose

Fungal diseases of this type are extremely devastating because they will attack several different types of trees. In addition, signs include spots ranging in color from a dark brown to a light tan on the leaves, many with purple or red rings around them. Even though it is a incurable disease, yearly fungicide treatments can keep a tree living.  

Dutch Elm

This disease also happens from a fungus taking advantage of an insect. But, elm bark beetles bore holes into the bark, allowing the fungus to infect. You will notice the leaves turn yellow before wilting and dying. Most importantly, if left untreated, the tree will also become victim and die.   

Powdery Mildew

Resembling the intricate patterning of lichen, and dreaded by any plant or tree owner that spots it. This is a rapidly spreading fungus that can wreak havoc if left untreated. If you notices blotches of a white powdery residue on the leaves, you should immediately utilize a fungal treatment. In addition, mildew can spread easily and be extremely hard to eradicate once it get established. Thankfully, this particular disease is relatively simple to prevent.

Improving air circulation can help prevent diseases from occurring, ensuring the leaves get plenty of sunlight. Ensure proper feeding and maintaining tree health to safeguard the following susceptible species: 

• Linden
• Crabapple
• Chokeberry
• Catalpa

Do You Want to Give Your Virginia Beach Trees a Clean Bill of Health? 

Now that you understand more about the primary tree diseases in Virginia Beach, you will no doubt keep an eye out for it. The highly trained team at Tracstar Tree Experts is here to help you with all your Hampton Roads Virginia tree needs.