When trees on your property are showing signs of weakening, it can be difficult for homeowners to determine the exact problem. You might see signs of fungal diseases in trees. Professionals offering tree services in Alexandria, VA, can help you understand the situation and the risk to the plants. They can also provide treatment options for tree fungal diseases.

1. Anthracnose Damages Leaves Throughout Virginia

Anthracnose can involve many types of fungi that primarily affect dogwood, elm, maple, sycamore, and white oak trees. The fungi affect the leaves and buds as they try to grow in the spring. Leaves that have this problem will experience dark-colored blotches, curling, and early dropping. 

Treatment is possible for more severe cases of anthracnose. However, many trees will regrow leaves later in the summer if they lose them in early spring because of anthracnose.

2. Laurel Wilt Recently Began Appearing in Virginia

Laurel wilt has only been present in Virginia for a few years. It primarily affects the laurel and sassafras species. 

Leaves that drop early or have severe discolorations may be suffering from laurel wilt. The wood may show dark staining, too. 

The best way to protect your property from laurel wilt is to spot signs of the disease as early as possible. An arborist can assess the situation and determine the proper steps.

3. Powdery Mildew Negatively Affects Leaf Appearance

Preventing fungal infections in landscape trees starts with identifying the problem as early as possible before beginning immediate tree health care. A common fungal disease in trees that Virginia homeowners can often see on their own is powdery mildew. This problem looks like white powder on the leaves.

During periods of low humidity in daytime hours and high humidity at night, the powdery mildew fungus is more likely to appear. The spores that cause this disease spread through air movement. Professionals will often prune affected areas.

4. Thousand Cankers Disease Has Migrated Into Virginia

Arborists in Virginia have only seen signs of thousand cankers disease for about a decade. It migrated from the West Coast of the United States. This fungal disease in trees primarily affects the walnut species and spreads via insect migration. 

You might notice leaves that turn yellow and wilt prematurely. The bark may show staining, indicating the presence of small cankers underneath the bark. 

This fungal disease has no cure, but professionals recommend taking steps to eliminate the insects that spread it.

The Heart of Wood’s Experts Can Diagnose and Successfully Treat Fungal Diseases

Don’t let common fungal tree diseases in Fairfax, VA, affect the look of your property and leave you at risk of losing trees. The professionals at The Heart of Wood are ready to inspect your property and look for signs of fungal infection on trees. They can also provide advice on how to identify tree fungus problems. 

Most fungal diseases of trees are treatable when an inspection from an arborist occurs early enough. If you need help understanding the tree risk assessment that we develop, we’ll explain everything before we begin any work. For a free price quote, contact us today at (571) 482-0996.