Tree insects and diseases can cause problems for Cedar Rapids area homeowners and it’s important to know the symptoms and have treatment options available. Using Arborjet tree injection products or foliage sprays, we are prepared to treat for almost any insect or disease on any type of tree, including fruit trees.
Common Cedar Rapids Area Tree Diseases
Apple Scab
Apple scab is a fungal infection that is most common in apple trees. Homeowners may see apple scab outbreaks on their apple trees after cool and wet conditions. The fungus develops over the winter on fallen leaves. Spores begin to develop in the spring. Wind and rain spread the spores onto budding leaves, twigs, and even the fruit itself. Once the fungal infection has been established in the tree, new spores develop and spread to surrounding trees.
Signs of an apple scab infection is first noticed by brownish-green spots on leaves or fruit. As the infection becomes worse, spots on fruit will become darker and take on a fuzzy texture. You may also notice yellow leaves falling from the tree as well as fruit becoming deformed and dropping prior to ripening.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose, also known as leaf blight, is another fungal infection that develops on twigs during the winter. Spores are transferred to new buds and leaves during spring cool and wet conditions. Many trees can be effected by this fungus: ash, maple, elm, hickory, walnut, birch, and linden, with sycamore, white oak and dogwood being the most susceptible to anthracnose. Damage could be as severe as complete leaf loss in late spring.
Symptoms of anthracnose include tan or red-brown lesions along the veins and edges of the leaf. You may also see considerable defoliation, sometimes with complete leaf loss.
For more information on common tree diseases, see Arborjet.com
Common Cedar Rapids Area Tree Insects
Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is becoming more and more of a problem for Cedar Rapids area trees. EAB larva live under the bark of ash trees and feed on the vascular tissue, killing the tree from the inside out. Adult emerald ash borer beetles emerge from the tree in June, leaving D-shaped holes in the bark.
Symptoms of an EAB infection include dying leaves and branches. Also, tree bark will split over the dead vascular tissues. Untreated trees may die within two years of an infection. Keep in mind that treating trees early on will be far less expensive than having a dead tree removed.
Contact us for a free diagnosis of ash trees that you suspect may be affected by emerald ash borer.
Aphids
Aphids are small insects with transparent wings that can be found at the stems or underside of tree leaves. They are often drawn to new growth on trees and other plants. Aphids feed off plants by sucking the sap from stems and leaves. Some plant sap is excreted as honeydew which makes plants, patio furniture, and any outdoor surfaces have a sticky texture. Often a sticky mold will grow on the honeydew, turning plant stems, leaves or other surfaces black.
For more information on common tree insects, see Arborjet.com
As always, we are here to help diagnose tree problems. Contact us at 319-310-1553 or reach us on our free estimate request form to set up an appointment.
