Trees are a valuable part of your property’s landscape—not only enhancing curb appeal, but also providing shade, structure, and environmental benefits. But just like any living thing, trees can become sick. If left untreated, tree diseases can spread quickly, leading to structural instability, hazardous conditions, and even complete tree loss.
At Arbor Junkies, we understand how important it is to identify and treat tree diseases early. Whether you’re in Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, or anywhere in our Illinois service area, our expert team is here to help keep your trees healthy, safe, and beautiful year-round.
Why Tree Health Matters
Diseased trees pose several risks:
- Falling limbs or uprooting during storms
- Spread of infection to nearby healthy trees
- Weakened structure, making them a danger to your home, vehicles, or family
- Decreased property value and aesthetic appeal
The key is early detection—which starts with knowing what to look for.
Common Tree Diseases in Illinois
1. Anthracnose
A fungal disease common in ash, oak, maple, and sycamore trees. Anthracnose thrives in cool, wet spring weather and causes:
- Brown or black leaf spots
- Premature leaf drop
- Twig dieback
Treatment: Regular pruning to increase airflow, removal of affected leaves and limbs, and fungicide applications in severe cases.
2. Dutch Elm Disease
This serious fungal disease affects American elms and is spread by elm bark beetles. It progresses rapidly and can wipe out entire trees.
Signs:
- Wilting, yellowing leaves starting at the top of the tree
- Brown streaks under the bark
- Sudden branch dieback
Treatment: Early removal of infected limbs, root flare injections, and in many cases, complete tree removal to prevent further spread.
3. Oak Wilt
A fatal disease for red and black oaks, spread through root systems and insect activity. It blocks the flow of water through the tree.
Watch for:
- Leaf discoloration (often brown or bronze edges)
- Rapid leaf drop
- Dead patches in the canopy
Treatment: Trenching to prevent root transmission, pruning only during dormant seasons, and possible chemical treatments by professionals.
4. Verticillium Wilt
A soil-borne fungal disease that affects a wide range of tree species including maple, elm, ash, and redbud.
Symptoms:
- Sudden wilting or yellowing leaves
- Dieback of branches
- Discolored sapwood
Treatment: While there’s no cure, proper pruning and fertilization can help trees survive and resist the disease longer.
5. Fire Blight
Typically seen in apple, pear, and hawthorn trees, fire blight gives the appearance of leaves being scorched by fire.
Common signs:
- Blackened, curled shoots
- “Shepherd’s crook” tip bends
- Oozing cankers on bark
Treatment: Sanitize pruning tools, remove infected branches well below symptoms, and apply bactericides in early spring.
Why DIY Isn’t Enough
While it’s great to be informed, diagnosing and treating tree diseases is not something most homeowners should tackle on their own. Many symptoms overlap, and improper treatment can make things worse.
That’s where Arbor Junkies comes in.
- Our team is trained to:
- Accurately identify tree diseases
- Recommend and apply effective treatments
- Safely remove infected trees when necessary
- Provide long-term care to restore tree health and prevent future issues
With over 18 years of experience and access to specialized equipment, we can assess your trees quickly and professionally.
How to Prevent Tree Diseases
While some diseases can’t be avoided entirely, many can be minimized or prevented with proper care:
- Schedule annual inspections with a certified professional
- Prune trees regularly to remove weak or infected limbs
- Avoid overwatering and compacted soil
- Don’t prune during peak insect seasons, which can attract disease vectors
- Keep your property clean of fallen debris, infected leaves, and deadwood
Trust the Tree Health Experts at Arbor Junkies
Whether you’re noticing unusual leaf discoloration, a thinning canopy, or suspect something isn’t right with your trees, don’t wait until the problem becomes a hazard.
Let our experts take a closer look and develop a plan tailored to your property’s needs.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection or to learn more about how we can help you identify and treat tree diseases in your yard.
Protecting your landscape starts with healthy trees—and Arbor Junkies is here to help you every step of the way.
