Are your leaves trying to tell you something

Tree diseases or insect infestations often first show signs through the trees’ leaves. Discoloration and little piercings or tiny holes are the most common symptoms. Dark streaks forming on leaves can be a sign. Spots, blemishes, blisters, and marks can also be key indicators of disease. Jagged edges and tears through the leaves can also be key symptoms. If you are noticing these kinds of symptoms, it is a good idea to get in touch with an arborist or local tree service for tree trimming and tree removal. They will be able to size up the situation and determine the appropriate action to take, with safety being the number one concern.

Being aware of common tree infestations in your area can be helpful if you are trying to identify specific issues. For instance, in Plymouth, Massachusetts, a pervasive ailment affecting trees of the region, causing discoloration in many of the tree’s leaves. A key ailment identified has been Phytophthora Lateralis, which is a soil-borne pathogen. Indicators of a tree suffering from P.Lateralis can include leaves appearing lighter than other healthy trees nearby. The entire canopies tend to turn green, then yellow, then light brown as the tree dies. The pathogen starts at the roots and makes its way through the collar then through the trunk.

A common tree leaf issue that is noticed in the Plymouth area, as well as Kingston, is Beech leaf disease. It causes trees to develop dark stripes on their leaves, which can kill trees. This is a fairly newly discovered disease, first noticed in Ohio in 2012. Since then, its first detection within Massachusetts was in Plymouth. The American Beeches are some of the most important trees in the United States. In recent years there have been rapid infestations across the Great Lakes to New England Region. Scientists have varying theories as to where the source of these infestations originated. Some speculate the tiny leaf-eating worms came from Asia, others are not so sure. Hundreds of calls have been made to tree service companies for tree removal to slow the infestations down.

The disease is caused by a foliar nematode, which is a microscopic worm. Its mode of transmission is still unknown to scientists. It affects millions of beech trees nationwide. It puts younger trees at higher risk, shown to be fatal to 90 percent of saplings. The symptoms are speculated to progress through the buds, and when this happens, no new leaves form. From here, the deadly effects often take place. American Beech, also known as Fagus grandfolia, are magnificent, beautiful trees with smooth gray trunks with an appearance reminiscent of giant elephant lest. They can grow to approximately 40 meters in height. They are the fifth most common tree species throughout New England and New York state, in Washington D.C, it is the most common tree. They attract much of the local wildlife as their annual nut crop provides sustenance for the squirrels, birds, and deer of the region.

Moth infestations tend to leave evidence of tree damage behind as the leaves appear to be nibbled away at. A single moth is, of course, not a problem. However, some moths lay eggs, often up to 500. They can be found around the trunks of trees during the spring months. Leaf damage can be evident, and in more severe cases, cause complete defoliation.

Aphids are another common culprit of tree leaf damage. They eat away at the sap of tree leaves and stems. When this happens, they often leave behind a sticky syrupy substance known as honeydew. An aphid infestation can be noticed by looking underneath leaves. Sooty mold can also be found on the underside of their leaves as their honeydew attracts this form of mold.

Scale insects cause the leaves to turn yellow, which doesn’t sound so bad. However, they are also responsible for stunting the growth of young saplings. Another key symptom of these types of insects is branch dieback. If you are noticing a strange yellowing as well as the leaves falling at an earlier time of the year, an insect infestation could be a possibility.

Armillaria root rot is another common ailment that often causes leaves to turn brown or yellow. This is a soil-borne fungus that is hard to detect, and the symptoms often do not appear until later on into the disease cycle. Diagnosis is not always easy; beyond the yellowing of foliage, splits in the trunks of trees and scars forming, and the darkening of roots can be telltale signs of disease.

Galls

Galls are another fairly typical leaf infection. These are frequently an issue amongst oak trees. The growths are often caused by mites and insects that feed. A frequent version of this growth is found on the stem, leaves, and twigs of oak trees. Fortunately, these growths tend to be harmless to the tree, contrary to how it may appear on the surface. Nonetheless, getting in touch with a local tree service company to decide whether tree removal or tree trimming is a  good way to confirm the situation of your tress.

Little Leaf Disease

Little Leaf disease is a serious issue known to occur among conifers across the united states. Trees affected by this ailment often die within six years.

Powdery Mildew

Very common throughout Massachusetts, powdery mildew causes white powdery in appearance formations to appear on the surface of leaves. Powdery mildew is controlled by removing all debris underneath trees. The affected branches need to be pruned and destroyed or removed by your tree removal specialist. At times, the disease can be spread by wind, which is why these branches need to be disposed of strategically – don’t mix them with your compost.

Leaf Miners

Leaf Miners are larvae that feed on the inside of leaves. Most of the diseases trees endure come in the form of fungal infections and bacterial pathogens. Many of them do not warrant panic, they won’t necessarily kill the tree, but they can affect the vigor and health of the tree over time. But the symptoms should be looked into by your local tree service company  or arborist to confirm whether it holds a risk to the trees’ health and the other trees in the region.

The premature falling of leaves compared to other trees in the region can be a strong indicator of an issue, as well as discoloration. If you are unsure of what steps to take, reach out to your local tree specialist. Often better to get clarification around the health of the trees before a potential infestation spreads and damages other nearby plants. In some cases this will require tree removal but if caught early a tree care plan can be put together. Call a professional today

Pear rust disease, Gymnosporangium sabinae, on a leaf.