How to Identify Common Tree Diseases in Colorado and Their Treatments

Like humans, trees are susceptible to a variety of diseases. Certain factors, like where a tree was planted, the weather, soil conditions, and insects, can lead to disease. Thankfully, most common diseases won’t kill the tree, but they will impact its appearance and productivity. Spotting the early signs of disease and employing the best treatment methods are crucial to the overall health of your tree.

Here’s what you should know about tree disease identification and tree disease treatment:

Tree disease identification

Some of the most common tree diseases in Colorado are bacterial wetwood, canker, and fire blight. Tree disease identification for each is a little different, and it’s recommended to look for the signs during both growing season and dormancy.

Bacterial wetwood is often found in aspen, elm, cottonwood, and willow trees. It can be identified by yellowish-brown discolorations through the trunk, bark, and branches that look moist, smells, and attracts insects.

Canker can affect all types of landscape trees and can be identified by dying branches with oozing coming from underneath the bark. In some cases, this ooze will also come out of the stem. If untreated, branches will die, and the disease will threaten the life of the tree.

Fire blight mainly affects flowering trees and will first make leaves appear to be soaked in water before making them drop and shrivel, turning them blackish-brown. It can spread very quickly, even from one tree to another, so it’s crucial to call tree disease identification professionals like Affordable Tree & Shrub if you see these signs.

Tree disease treatment

The best form of tree disease treatment is tree spraying, which also happens to be a great way to prevent these diseases in the first place. Tree sprays are concentrates that contain a variety of low-toxicity pesticides and insecticides, fungicides, and other ingredients that won’t damage healthy foliage. Spraying protects trees against not only diseases but also insects and fungi that can threaten their health and appearance. Trees should be sprayed every three to five years or if you notice signs of disease.

Working with an arborist to assess your trees and what they need is the best way to ensure the health of your landscape. When it comes to trees and the overall health of your landscape, you can trust Affordable Tree & Shrub to protect your property. We offer tree spraying services in Colorado Springs and are experts in disease identification and disease treatment for trees. Contact us for a quote today!