Trees add natural beauty and character to your landscaping, but fungus can take away from their health and appearance. While some fungi are not too harmful, others can spread quickly and, in some cases, even kill the plants. Here’s what you should know about the threat of fungi, so you can quickly contact a tree service provider when needed.

Your Tree Fungus Questions Answered

Why are fungi so harmful to trees?

Some types of fungi can cause significant damage internally and externally. When the fungi start to eat away at wood, a healthy tree can quickly lose its integrity and start to rot. This can cause branches to become brittle, trunks to weaken, and breakage to occur. When the leaves are affected, the tree can’t produce food through natural photosynthesis, which, in turn, affects its life expectancy.  

How do trees become infected?

Spores must come into contact with a tree to cause an infection. That can happen easily: the wind may blow them in that direction, or heavy rainfall may cause them to latch onto the leaves or the trunk. People or pets may even unwittingly transfer these spores to the tree if they walk in an infected area, then venture near a tree.

What are the signs of an infection?

Affected trees may lose their stems or leaves, develop scabby or soggy bark, or form unsightly spots on their foliage, depending on the type of fungal problem.

Powdery mildew, for example, can cause whitish spots that resemble powder to form on flowers. Verticillium wilt can cause leaves to decay and stems to wilt. Crown rot affects the tree’s roots first, eventually traveling up and causing significant discoloration and premature death.

When in doubt, have a tree service provider inspect the plant.

What are some potential treatments?

Unfortunately, fungal diseases aren’t curable. Tree service providers instead opt to treat the infection by minimizing the spread of the fungus. This may involve pruning affected areas or applying an anti-fungal product, or a combination of the two.

How can you prevent infection?

Nourish and hydrate the tree appropriately, so it remains healthy. But don’t overwater, as this can lead to damaging root rot.

Clear out leaves and other debris in the yard to eliminate spots for spores to linger. Sanitize all gardening tools in between uses, so you don’t inadvertently carry diseases from one area to another.

Are you concerned about the health of your trees? Let the team at Sherwood’s Tree Service in Honolulu inspect them. Serving Oahu clients since 1974, the tree service providers offer inspections, hydroseeding, stump removal, and other landscaping services to ensure yards look their best. For your convenience, they’re available to answer your call 24 hours a day. Visit the website to find out more about their extensive services, or call (808) 537-9705 to schedule a consultation.