How to Spot and Treat Common Tree Diseases Before It’s Too Late
You’ve probably asked yourself something like: “Why do the leaves on my tree look weird?” or “Is that white stuff on my tree bad?” If that’s where you’re at, this guide is for you.
Trees aren’t just yard decoration. They’re shade-giving, oxygen-making, value-boosting parts of your property. But they’re not invincible. Diseases hit fast and hit hard. If you don’t catch the signs early, it can be game over.
Here’s exactly what to look out for—and what to do about it—before it’s too late.
1. Powdery Mildew
Spot This:
- White, flour-like powder on leaves
- Leaves curling or distorting
- Stunted growth, especially in new shoots
Fix It:
- Cut off and get rid of the infected leaves
- Spray with fungicide (ask us what type works best)
- Book a tree pruning service to open up airflow
2. Leaf Spot Disease
Spot This:
- Black, brown, or yellow dots on leaves
- Leaves falling off early
Fix It:
- Rake and destroy all fallen leaves
- Treat with an appropriate fungicide
- Learn how to prevent it through our tree care services
3. Canker Diseases
Spot This:
- Deep cracks or sunken patches on bark
- Sticky sap leaking out
- Dead twigs or branches
Fix It:
- Prune out the damaged areas
- Disinfect tools between cuts
- Call our tree disease experts before it spreads
4. Dutch Elm Disease
Spot This:
- Leaves start wilting or turning yellow
- Dieback begins at the crown (top of the tree)
Fix It:
- Remove and destroy infected branches
- Plant disease-resistant varieties (ask us which)
- Use our tree planting consultation to choose the right tree next time
5. Root Rot
Spot This:
- Mushrooms growing near trunk base
- Tree looks weak, leans, or drops leaves out of season
- Roots may feel soft or smell bad if exposed
Fix It:
- Reduce watering and improve soil drainage
- Avoid mulch pile-ups around trunk
- Book a tree health inspection ASAP
6. Anthracnose
Spot This:
- Weirdly shaped brown/black leaf spots
- Twigs dying back
- Leaves curl or drop early
Fix It:
- Remove fallen and infected leaves
- Use a high-quality fungicide
- Strengthen tree with nutrition and mulch guidance
Keep Tree Diseases Away—Long Term
You don’t need to guess your way through this. Here’s how to stay ahead of the curve:
- Routine Tree Health Checks: Schedule an inspection
- Professional Pruning: Book expert tree trimming
- Smart Mulching + Watering: Our tree care tips make it simple
- Emergency Services: If it’s spreading fast, our emergency tree services have your back
Internal Link Areas We Serve:
- Tree Removal in Arlington
- Tree Services in Fort Worth
- Tree Pruning in Keller
- Tree Cutting in Grand Prairie
- Tree Health Experts in Dallas
- Disease Removal in Trophy Club
- Consultation in Frisco
- Removal in Addison
- Tree Experts in Richardson
- Tree Care in Lewisville
3 Helpful Resources
- Arbor Day Foundation – Tree Guide
- US Forest Service – Tree Diseases
- The Morton Arboretum – Plant Health Care
FAQs About Tree Disease
Q: What’s the number one sign my tree is sick?
A: Wilting leaves and weird discolouration—especially if it happens outside of fall—are major red flags.
Q: Can I treat tree disease myself?
A: Mild cases, maybe. But if it’s spreading, call in our arborists. Fast.
Q: Is tree disease contagious to other trees?
A: Yep. Many diseases like anthracnose and Dutch elm can move from one tree to the next.
Q: How often should I inspect my trees?
A: Twice a year minimum. More if you’ve had issues before.
Q: What if my tree can’t be saved?
A: We do safe tree removal and recommend the best replacements.
Q: Can pruning really stop disease?
A: Absolutely. Good pruning removes infection sources and helps air circulate.
Your trees won’t wait. Neither should you.
Visit Trophy Tree Co. or book a consultation today.
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