Trees and plants are more than a part of your landscape; they are essential to the ecosystem, providing shade, beauty, oxygen, and even increasing property value.
Trees also have diseases that may affect their growth. That is why looking after your plants and trees is important to protect them. You can also go for plant and tree healthcare services to get rid of unwanted diseases.
If you do not know how to protect your trees and plants from diseases, this guide is for you. It has tips from experts and strategies for keeping your green friends happier and healthier. Let’s get started.
Common Plant and Tree Diseases
Knowing the most common tree and plant diseases and their signs is one of the basic things you must know. Some of the most common diseases are:
Powdery Mildew
It is indicated by white or grey powdery spots on leaves, stems, or flowers. They are caused by fungal spores that thrive in humid and warm spaces. Powdery mildew decreases photosynthesis, which limits the growth of the plant.
Leaf Spot Diseases
The name of this disease indicates that there are brown, black, or yellow spots on leaves, which often have a distinct border. It causes bacterial or fungal infections, usually accompanied by premature leaf drop and weakened plant vigour.
Root Rot
This disease shows signs of wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and mushy roots. Root rotting is caused by overwatering, and poorly drained soil causes fungal growth. It may weaken the root system, and death of the plant is often the result.
Canker Diseases
Canker disease is about sunken, discoloured lesions on branches or trunks. This may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens entering through wounds. It also led to structural instability and branch dieback.
Sudden Oak Death (SOD)
Usually, it is characterized by dark cankers on the trunk, leaf spots, and twig dieback. The causes behind SOD are phytophthora ramorum, a water mould pathogen. It may impact devastating oak populations and threaten ecosystems.
Methods of Preventing Tree and Plant Diseases
The best way to deal with tree and plant diseases is to prevent them. Follow the proactive measures such as:
Select Healthy Varieties
When planting trees or plants, starting with healthy varieties or species is better. Make sure that they are good to go with the available environment.
Plant Right Location
Think of the specific requirements of your plants, such as sunlight, soil type, and drainage. Poor growing conditions stress out plants, which makes them vulnerable to diseases.
Space Correctly
Dense plants are susceptible to fungal diseases because of reduced air circulation. Plant according to the recommended spacing.
Water Properly
Water should be placed at the base of the plants instead of overhead to prevent wet foliage, which promotes the growth of fungi. Do not overwater, as it causes root rot.
Mulch Carefully
Mulching keeps the soil moist and the temperature within limits, but pile the mulch around the trunk. This will lead to infestations of pests and rotting as well.
Prune Often
Make sure to remove dead, diseased, or overcrowded branches of the tree or plant. It may improve air circulation and prevent the pathogens from spreading.
Inspect Regularly
Do not forget to check or inspect your plants regularly and examine the signs of disease, stress, or pests to get treatment earlier.
Disease Management Strategies
Tips are good, but sometimes disease may not stop, and you have to implement a disease management strategy to keep your trees healthy.
Isolate Infected Plants
First, separate the infected plants from the healthy plants to stop the disease from spreading.
Remove Infected Parts
Cut out infected branches, leaves, or stems and dispose of them appropriately. Avoid composting infected material since it may harbor pathogens.
Use Fungicides and Bactericides
Use the right chemical treatments to control fungal and bacterial diseases. Do not overdose on the chemical, and follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
Apply beneficial organisms like predatory insects or microbial treatments that control the pathogens that cause disease.
Soil Treatment
Add organics to the soil or use soil treatment, which suppresses the harmful growth of fungi and allows beneficial growth in microbes.
Consult an Arborist
In case of a severe disease or on high-value trees, seek advice from a certified arborist. They can apply sophisticated treatments, such as injections, basal drenching, etc.
Seasonal Care Tips
Every season brings new challenges and opportunities for plant and tree health.
Spring
- Inspect and prune winter-damage-prone areas.
- Apply preventative fungicides or pest treatments.
- Fertilize new growth.
Summer
- Water thoroughly but consistently to prevent heat stress.
- Monitor for pests and diseases that thrive in warm weather.
Fall
- Rake and remove fallen leaves, which reduce overwintering pathogens.
- Apply mulch to insulate roots and retain moisture.
- Check for diseases before trees go dormant.
Winter
- Wrap or shield young trees from frost damage.
- Avoid overwatering dormant plants.
- Plan for pruning and preventive treatments in early spring.
The Role of Professional Tree and Plant Healthcare Services
Professional tree and plant healthcare services from Evans West Valley Spray are very beneficial, as they protect your plants and trees from disease and ensure better growth. They offer:
Comprehensive Assessments
When it comes to certified arborists, they will inspect your trees and plants. They will check the signs, causes of disease, pest infestations, and structural problems.
Customized Treatment Plans
Experts create customized care plans based on the specific needs of your landscape, including fertilization, pest control, and watering schedules.
Advanced Treatments
Deep root feeding, subsurface injections, and basal drenching are some services that address underlying problems and promote long-term health.
Preventive Programs
Seasonal care programs ensure timely treatments for diseases and pests of your trees and plants.
Emergency Care
Should there be outbreaks or severe damages, professionals promptly respond and work out expert solutions.
Last to Say
Diseases can happen to any plant or tree because this is part of their growth. But make sure the diseases should not last longer, as they may affect their growth and longevity. So, you must take care of your plants and trees to make them healthy and ever-growing.
Do not forget to evaluate your plants or trees regularly. Make sure to use the required solution, and keep an eye on them to maintain better growth. For a better approach, you can also hire professional plant and tree care services to get rid of the diseases before time.