One of the most common reasons Minnesota homeowners call for tree service is that they suspect or have discovered tree disease on their property. To save the tree, it's important to recognize and address the issue promptly. Below are some common tree diseases around the state and how to identify them.

3 Common Tree Diseases in Minnesota

1. Diplodia Tip Blight

Diplodia is a fungal disease affecting pine trees whose needles grow in clusters of two or three. Most affected are red, Austrian, jack, ponderosa, and Scots pines. Diplodia typically does not affect white pine. Limbs often shed leaves and die. 

Look for browning needles and dying or stunted branches. Keep trees healthy through regular watering and mulching, and reduces stressors like damage through pruning, hail, and other physical damage.

2. Oak Wilt

Oak wilt is a fungal disease that affects all oak species. Pathogens enter and spread through water-carrying vessels and result in tree death. Red oak species die within months, while others may take up to 20 years. It can also be spread by sap beetles. 

You'll notice browning and shedding leaves, branch dieback, and browning of the wood beneath the bark. Have a tree service prune diseased limbs and remove trees that cannot be saved. In some cases, fungicide tree injections can help.

3. Dutch Elm Disease

This is a vascular fungal disease that affects American, red, and slippery elm trees. It can lead to limb dieback and the death of the tree. Look for yellowing and wilting leaves, thinning crowns, and dieback that starts at the crown. 

Prune out affected branches. Consider preventative fungicide injections for neighboring trees to prevent spread. Remove and dispose of dead trees, and consider replacing them with disease-resistant varieties.

If one or more of your trees is diseased, contact Rivertown Tree Service in Hastings, MN for tree care you can depend on. They have served Dakota County and the surrounding areas for more than 40 years. They specialize in tree maintenance, stump grinding, tree removal, and land clearing. They are renowned throughout the region for their prompt response times, friendly service, and competitive pricing. Learn more about them by visiting their website or call (651) 438-3704 to schedule tree service.