Not all tree species are susceptible to tree fungi. Some trees and plants are more vulnerable than others because of how their bark and root systems grow or their natural susceptibility to disease.

In addition, young or recently pruned trees can succumb to tree fungi. Other factors that contribute to susceptibility include:

• Drought conditions
• Poor soil quality
• Excessive water
• Too much shade

In this post, we discuss five common tree fungi as seen by arborists from the renowned tree service company in Palm Beach, FL, Eco Tree Experts.

If you find that your tree has a fungal infection, we also discuss what you can do to treat it.

5 Common Types of Tree Fungus

Powdery Mildew

This type of fungus is common in trees and shrubs, especially on the upper surface of their leaves. The powdery white or gray mildew can cover the entire leaf or just a section. Powdery mildew can cause leaves to turn yellow and die, but it rarely kills the whole plant.

You can treat Powdery Mildew with an over-the-counter fungicide containing sulfur. Follow the directions on the label for mixing and applying it according to your specific tree species.

Anthracnose

The Anthracnose fungus attacks the leaves and fruits of a tree. It appears as black spots on the leaves or fruit, eventually turning brown and falling off.

These tree fungi grow on decaying wood and can spread quickly if not treated quickly. It can be controlled with fungicide sprays or pruning off infected areas before they spread further into the tree’s system.

Armillaria Root Rot

Armillaria root rot lives in the soil and attacks the root systems of trees. It spreads through them like a network of veins until it reaches other roots nearby.

The infection can take years to fully develop, but once it does, it can be challenging to treat without removing large amounts of soil around the base of the tree to reach those infected roots before they cause further damage.

Corticium

Corticium is a relatively mild form of fungal disease that typically appears on young trees. It usually occurs due to stress or injury but can occur due to unfavorable weather conditions.

Corticium appears as small black spots that grow into large patches and eventually kill the tree if left untreated. To prevent this type of fungus from spreading, prune out any dead branches and dispose of them properly. Also, keep your tree well-watered and ensure it has plenty of sunlight for healthy growth.

Phytophthora

Phytophthora is another name for root rot, which causes damage to the inner part of a tree’s root system—typically before symptoms appear on the surface.

If you see discoloration around your trees’ roots or signs that they’ve begun rotting off completely, it could mean you have Phytophthora spreading through your yard.

Contact the Experts for Advice on Treating Tree Fungi

Do you need assistance with treating trees infected by tree fungi? Eco Tree Experts are here to help.

We know how important it is to keep your trees and plant life in good shape, and we also know they could deteriorate and die if you don’t treat your trees in time. That’s why we want to help you fight back against tree fungi and other tree problems, including dealing with tree damage after a hurricane.

We offer a free consultation service so we can come out and assess the problem together, allowing us to determine exactly what needs doing so that your property remains safe.

Contact us at 833-321-TREE for assistance dealing with tree fungi and other tree services in Palm Beach, FL, and surrounding areas.