Trees inject singular beauty and value into your landscape while supporting wildlife and other plant species. Yet as with other organisms, trees face the possibility of infections and infestations, some of which are difficult to overcome. Tree ailments—such as oak wilt, anthracnose, black knot fungus, and emerald ash borer infestations—are the most common types in Virginia and can cripple or kill trees if left unaddressed. All home- and property owners should learn the most common Virginia tree diseases, insects, and mites and their symptoms. This way, they will know when to call a professional tree care team for appropriate services.
Timber Works can care for all your Huntly, VA, property needs. From tree trimming to disease and insect inspection, we have the necessary experience and training to keep your trees healthy and beautiful. Our certified arborists use the latest industry techniques to diagnose tree problems and provide the most effective treatment options. Call Timber Works today at (540) 692-9606 and give your trees the attention they deserve.
Below, we describe the most frequent Virginia tree infections and infestations:
Oak Wilt
A fungal disease, oak wilt blocks tree vessels from using and distributing water. As its name implies, oak wilt is prevalent among oaks, causing overt symptoms like leaf pigmentation and wilting before killing the tree (unless that tree receives appropriate treatment).
The best defense against oak wilt is preventive measures such as winter pruning and wound avoidance in the springtime. If you suspect your tree has oak wilt, contact a certified tree care professional to assess and treat your oak tree—they may be able to save the tree through careful trimming.
Anthracnose
Like oak wilt, anthracnose is a fungal disease—yet it infects numerous tree species equally, including oaks, dogwoods, and sycamores. Its symptoms include dead or perforated leaves and branch dieback, and it most commonly affects shade trees—taller trees with larger leaves than fruit or other non-shade trees.
To prevent anthracnose, maintain your trees’ health through adequate watering, especially during growing seasons and droughts. Inspect their leaves routinely for spotting and curling. If you notice threatening or troubling symptoms, employ a professional to apply fungicide (which is most effective when applied in early spring).
Black Knot Fungus
The black knot fungus affects the branches of many fruit and ornamental trees in Virginia, causing unsightly dark bumps on the trunk or limbs. The disease thrives in humid environments and can lead to branch cracking and dying.
A tree care team can control black knot fungus by pruning infected branches during trees’ dormant season and disposing of those limbs. Moreover, they can maintain your trees throughout the year to prevent future infections.
Emerald Ash Borer
An insect that feeds on the inner bark of ash trees, the emerald ash borer can kill them within just a few years. Signs of an infestation include damaged bark, yellowing leaves, reduced canopy, D-shaped fenestrate, and increased woodpecker activity.
If you think your ash trees have an emerald ash borer infestation, ask a certified arborist to assess the damage and recommend the best course of action. Solutions could include insecticide use or emergency tree removal.
Pine Bark Beetle
Pine bark beetles are tiny insects that feed on the inner bark of Virginia pine trees. They are capable of causing extensive damage and tree death. Furthermore, the damage caused by these beetles can attract more insects and fungi to the tree, which may endanger the other plant growth in your yard. These beetles lay their eggs within tree bark, making it difficult to eradicate them after a couple of months.
Contact a tree care company immediately if you suspect your pine tree has a beetle infestation. Moreover, you can prevent beetle attacks by practicing healthy tree care and wounds and cuts treated.
Japanese Beetle
Another beetle found in Virginia, Japanese beetles feed on many types of trees. They chew on leaves and flowers, causing significant damage to the tree’s foliage. Signs of an infestation include skeleton leaves, wilting, and a thinned canopy.
A professional tree care team can control Japanese beetles by applying pesticides at the right time and frequency or using physical removal techniques, like tree removal or pruning. Professionals know which pesticides will be effective without damaging the surrounding ecosystem.
Spider Mite
Mites are tiny insects that present a threat in great numbers. The most common kind in Virginia is the spider mite—a pest capable of causing severe defoliation, especially among evergreen trees and shrubs. Symptoms of an infestation include a yellowing of leaves and a web-like substance on branches.
To prevent infestation, an arborist and their team can prune affected branches, apply insecticides, and instruct you on specific tree care practices. Adequate irrigation and regular watering can also act as a safeguard against mites.
Opt for Affordable Tree Care Services in Huntly, VA
Tree infections and infestations can be a significant threat to the health and beauty of your landscape. Nevertheless, home- and property owners can keep their trees healthy by addressing the signs of infection or infestation immediately. Early detection and prompt tree treatment are the keys to protecting your trees from damage or death. Call Timber Works Tree Care at (540) 692-9606 for expert tree care advice and services on your Huntly, VA, tree infections and infestations. Our support can keep your property looking beautiful, safe, and flourishing for years.
