Like people, trees sometimes fall victim to illnesses and infections. The severity of these illnesses varies based on the tree variety and disease type, but a phytophthora infection can be particularly devastating over long stretches. While preventative measures and treatments to maintain tree health exist, property owners need to recognize when to employ professional tree removal.
Ashburn, VA, residents who need a reliable tree removal company need look no further than Timber Works Tree Care. Our licensed and insured team provides top-rated tree services that keep your greenery beautiful and safe. We prioritize the customer experience, which is why we guarantee excellent communication and professionalism on every project. To receive a free project estimate and learn more about our services, call (540) 692-9606 today!
Below, we discuss how to spot and manage phytophthora infections:
Phytophthora
Fungi-like plant pathogens, called phytophthora, attack trees and cause root rot, cankers, lesions, and more. Phytophthora species are capable of infecting various trees, but the most common hosts include beech, maple, oak, and fruit trees. The infections often begin in a small region of the tree (such as a branch) and spread, gradually undermining the tree’s health. While catching the disease in its early stages may enable its host to recover, neglected infections worsen and often lead to tree death.
To protect trees against phytophthora infections, property owners should learn the disease’s early symptoms. It’s best to consult experts, such as the professionals at Timber Works, if you notice tree decay, foliage thinning, cankers, or other unexpected changes.
Phytophthora Cankers and Bleeding Canker
Perhaps the most tell-tale sign of a destructive attack, phytophthora cankers are dead regions of trees commonly found on trunks and limbs. These occur as the pathogen consumes nutrients from a tree’s bark, often appearing sunken and discolored. These cankers sometimes ooze dark-colored sap, creating a bleeding appearance that coined the “bleeding canker” descriptor. If you notice cankers on your tree’s trunk, roots, or limbs, quickly seek professionals before the infection worsens.
How to Manage Infections
Phytophthora attacks can devastate trees’ health, so you must catch and treat the infection as soon as possible. Since the pathogen thrives in damp conditions, avoid directly watering and overwatering infected trees. Additionally, certain fungicides can be effective against phytophthora infections.
In cases of severe infection, there may be no way to restore your tree’s health. Dead trees are structurally unsound and may drop branches unexpectedly, threatening property and health. Such cases call for reliable emergency tree removal services.
Trusted Tree Removal in Ashburn, VA!
Dying trees threaten their surrounding landscape and often necessitate professional tree removal services. Folks in Ashburn, VA, can look to Timber Works Tree Care for such services. Our certified arborists inspect trees and determine any threat a tree may pose to your property so that you can make the best tree removal decisions. For more information about our tree care services, call us at (540) 692-9606 today!
