Tree Health 101: Common Diseases and How to Prevent Them
Introduction: Protecting Your Trees from Disease
Healthy trees enhance curb appeal, provide shade, and contribute to a thriving ecosystem. But just like any living thing, trees can fall victim to disease. If left untreated, tree diseases can weaken their structure, attract pests, and even lead to hazardous conditions requiring tree removal.
At Kolcun Tree Care, our ISA-certified arborists specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing tree diseases across Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, Savannah, and the surrounding Lowcountry. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common tree diseases in our region, their warning signs, and effective prevention methods to keep your landscape thriving.
Common Tree Diseases & How to Prevent Them
1. Oak Wilt
Symptoms:
• Wilting, browning, and curling leaves (starting at the top of the tree)
• Premature leaf drop
• Dark streaks beneath the bark
Prevention & Treatment:
• Avoid pruning oak trees during spring and summer when beetles that spread the disease are most active. Instead, schedule professional tree trimming and pruning in late fall or winter.
• If an oak tree is infected, Kolcun Tree Care can provide specialized treatments and, if necessary, safe tree removal to prevent the disease from spreading.
2. Anthracnose
Common in: Sycamore, dogwood, maple, and oak trees
Symptoms:
• Dark, sunken lesions on leaves, stems, or twigs
• Defoliation (leaf loss) in early spring
• Twisted or stunted leaf growth
Prevention & Treatment:
• Improve air circulation around your trees with tree pruning to remove overcrowded branches.
• Rake and dispose of fallen leaves to prevent fungal spores from overwintering.
• Fertilization and soil health management can strengthen trees, making them less susceptible to infection.
3. Root Rot (Phytophthora Root Rot)
Symptoms:
• Yellowing or wilting leaves
• Soft, decaying roots
• Stunted growth or sudden tree collapse
Prevention & Treatment:
• Ensure proper drainage—standing water around tree roots can encourage rot.
• Avoid overwatering and compacting the soil around the tree’s base.
• If root rot is detected, Kolcun Tree Care’s arborist services can assess whether treatment or stump grinding and tree removal are necessary.
4. Powdery Mildew
Common in: Crepe myrtles, magnolias, dogwoods, and oaks
Symptoms:
• White, powdery fungal growth on leaves
• Distorted or stunted leaf growth
• Premature leaf drop
Prevention & Treatment:
• Increase airflow by thinning the canopy with professional tree pruning.
• Apply fungicidal treatments as needed.
• Fertilization and soil improvement can help trees resist infections naturally.
5. Bacterial Leaf Scorch
Common in: Maples, oaks, elms, and sycamores
Symptoms:
• Leaves turning brown or yellow at the edges while the center remains green
• Branch dieback over time
• Premature leaf drop
Prevention & Treatment:
• Regular tree health care assessments can catch early signs of stress.
• Deep root fertilization boosts tree immunity.
• If the infection spreads, professional tree removal may be necessary to protect nearby trees.
Best Practices for Tree Disease Prevention
Keeping trees healthy requires regular maintenance and proactive care. Here’s how you can help prevent tree diseases before they start:
✅ Schedule Routine Tree Inspections – A certified arborist can detect early signs of disease and recommend treatments before the problem worsens.
✅ Prune Properly & At the Right Time – Removing weak or diseased branches with professional tree pruning improves air circulation and tree resilience.
✅ Invest in Tree Fertilization & Soil Care – Healthy trees are less susceptible to disease. Deep root fertilization provides essential nutrients for growth and disease resistance.
✅ Maintain Proper Watering & Drainage – Overwatering can lead to root rot, while drought stress makes trees vulnerable to infections. Finding the right balance is key.
✅ Remove Infected or Dead Trees – If a tree is beyond saving, emergency tree removal ensures that nearby healthy trees stay protected.
Trust Kolcun Tree Care for Expert Tree Health Services
Your trees are a valuable part of your landscape—protecting them from disease ensures their longevity and beauty for years to come. Whether you need tree trimming, pruning, fertilization, or tree removal, Kolcun Tree Care is here to help.
Our ISA-certified arborists have over 20 years of experience serving Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, Savannah, and surrounding areas. We prioritize safety, expertise, and customer satisfaction, ensuring that your trees receive the best care possible.
📞 Need professional tree care? Submit an inquiry through our website or call Kolcun Tree Care at 843-757-8050 today!
