Tree Blight: Types, Identification, and Treatment

Tree blight refers to a group of tree diseases caused by fungus or bacteria. Tree blight can be very detrimental to the health of your trees, and if left unchecked, could result in the need for tree removal. Tree disease identification and treatment begins with a comprehensive inspection of your landscape by an expert arborist who can determine the overall health of the landscape, identify specific types of tree blight, and recommend any needed treatment.

Common Types of Tree Blight

Expert arborists diagnose and treat blight for many types of trees, including pine, elm, dogwood, maple, cherry, apple, ash, and willow trees. Below are some of the most common types of tree blight.

Fire Blight

Fire blight is a bacterial infection that commonly affects orchard trees such as apple and pear trees and may impact the production of edible fruit. Infected branches show a characteristic scorched appearance, and affected twigs develop a “shepherd’s crook” shape. Treatment follows a protocol developed by leading universities, utilizing the minimum number of treatments required to facilitate recovery.

Diplodia Blight

Diplodia blight affects conifers of all kinds, including ornamental evergreen shrubbery. It is one of the most common types of pine tree diseases. Symptoms include stunted growth of new shoots with brown needles. Early treatment in spring can prevent the spread of infection.

Dothistroma Blight

Dothistroma blight is another common pine tree disease. It is a foliar disease that infects and kills pine tree needles. It is a serious form of tree blight that can kill the tree if left untreated and may require tree removal.

Anthracnose and Leaf Spot Diseases

Anthracnose is a type of tree blight which affects many hardwood tree varieties. It is common among dogwood trees and also affects oak and sycamore trees. This fungus grows in cool, damp weather such as early spring or late fall. If left untreated over time, this type of blight can kill hardwood trees. Symptoms include dead areas or spots on the leaves.

Maple Wilt (Verticillium Wilt)

Verticillium wilt can affect many different maple tree varieties. This type of tree disease is caused by a fungus that grows in the soil and can have a devastating effect on maples, sometimes requiring tree removal. Symptoms include brown-looking leaves or large branches that have died.

Dutch Elm Disease

Dutch Elm Disease has felled many feature elm trees across the United States. As a preventive measure, specimen elm trees can be successfully trunk-injected during the spring/summer with a treatment that will prevent the development of the Dutch Elm Disease fungus for up to three years. However, this treatment is not always effective against previously infected trees.

Sycamore Anthracnose

Sycamore anthracnose results in extensive defoliation, shoot dieback, and twig death, especially when extended periods of cool wet weather occur in the spring. A macroinfusion system can prevent infection of specimen sycamores for up to three years.

When to Call an Arborist

Any time you notice unusual spots, discoloration, dieback, or abnormal growth on your trees, it’s worth scheduling a professional inspection. Early detection and targeted treatment are far more effective, and less expensive, than dealing with an advanced infection. Our expert arborists in Nashville can accurately diagnose the specific blight affecting your trees and recommend a targeted treatment plan for protection and recovery.