PLANT DISEASE
What Are Plant Diseases?
Just like us, plants are susceptible to diseases and illnesses. Some may be obvious, while others may go unnoticed for a while. Conifer trees, fruit trees, and annual plants are all common plants that get disease. Our team works on diagnosing and treating these diseases before its too late.
If You See Any...
If you see any of the diseases below, please contact us so we can send a technician out to assess the problem and diagnose it to prevent any further damage done to the plant. If this is a recurring problem we can set up a program for you to avoid any further issues with disease.
Tip Blight
(Diplodia sapinea)
Diplodia Tip Blight (DTB) is a common fungal disease that affects most conifer trees. This fungal disease causes new needle growth to die. The spores of the disease travel quickly by wind, animals, and trimming equipment. DTB can stay in the tree for a while before showing any signs.
Appearance
New needles will become stunted and appear a yellow/brown color. The tip of the needle will begin to die off while the base of it remains a green color. As it spreads, mature needles will begin to get dark green spots and tan marks along them.
Signs Of Activity
Keep a close eye on the needle growth, DTB is often mistaken for drought stress so be sure that it's getting a good amount of water before considering the disease. Be sure to clean tools used for pruning to prevent the spread of any diseases.
PLANT FACTS
7.1 MILLION ACRES OF TREES DIED FROM DISEASE IN 2019.
Pine Needle Scale
(Chionaspis pinifoliae)
The Scale insect can severely stunt tree growth. In high populations they can kill needles, twigs, and in serious cases, entire (young) trees. Scale eggs are laid overwinter and hatch around April to June depending on the weather. Once mature, the winged males emerge from the scale to mate.
Appearance
Scale insects are small (about 3mm), white, oval shaped bugs that look like white paint splattered on the pine needle. They are covered in a waxy coating that protects them and helps them adhere to the plant. Eggs have a rusty brown coloring.
Signs Of Activity
Outside of the general appearance of the scale, you will find yellowing needles. Needles will be falling off prematurely, this could potentially be accompanied by branch or tree death depending on the severity of the disease. Keep and eye on the lower branches as they are more susceptible.
PLANT FACTS
APPLE SCAB IS LESS LIKELY TO OCCUR ABOVE 78 DEGREES.
Apple Scab
(Ventura inaequalis)
Apple Scab is a fungal disease that commonly affects fruit trees. The disease will leave black or brown spots on the leaves or fruit itself. The fungus overwinters in the fallen tree leaves and then the spores spread to the new growth during the season.
Appearance
Leaves and fruit will develop dark spots that may be velvety or sab like. The leaves specifically will resemble dark burn marks. Spots may affect flowers causing them to drop early, as well as rough spots on the fruit.
Signs Of Activity
The spots will begin early in the season so keep a close eye on the fruit and leaves. Apple Scab thrives in cool, rainy weather where the fungus can develop easily. This disease is rarely fatal for the tree by itself, but the disease will weaken the tree over time so it's important to get it treated.