Top 5 Tree Diseases And Pests To Watch Out For In Tennessee

Trees are an essential part of the Tennessee landscape, providing beauty, shade, and habitat for wildlife. However, they are also susceptible to diseases and pests that can cause significant damage or even death. This article will discuss the top 5 tree diseases and pests that property owners in Nashville, TN, and surrounding areas like Hendersonville, Greenbrier, Ridgetop, Brentwood, and Franklin should watch out for. Tree Service Nashville, a professional tree care company, offers services such as tree pruning and tree removal to help manage these issues and maintain the health of your trees.

1. Anthracnose

What is it?

Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects various tree species, including sycamores, dogwoods, and oaks. It causes irregular dead areas on leaves, twig dieback, and sometimes cankers on the trunk or branches.

How to manage it?

To manage anthracnose, prune and dispose of infected branches and leaves to prevent the spread of the fungus. Regular tree trimming and proper sanitation practices can also help prevent infection. In severe cases, fungicides may be applied to protect trees during periods of high disease pressure.

2. Emerald Ash Borer

What is it?

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive beetle native to Asia that has caused widespread damage to ash trees across the United States. The beetle’s larvae feed on the tree’s inner bark, disrupting the flow of nutrients and water and ultimately killing the tree.

How to manage it?

Early detection and treatment are crucial for managing EAB infestations. Infected trees should be removed to prevent the beetle’s spread, and emergency tree removal may be necessary for hazardous situations. Preventive insecticide treatments are available for high-value ash trees not yet infested.

3. Oak Wilt

What is it?

Oak Wilt is a lethal fungal disease affecting all oak tree species. The fungus spreads through the tree’s vascular system, causing leaf discoloration, wilting, and eventual tree death.

How to manage it?

To prevent the spread of Oak Wilt, avoid pruning or wounding oak trees during the growing season when the fungus is active. Infected trees should be removed, and root graft barriers may be necessary to protect nearby healthy trees. Fungicide treatments are available for high-value trees but are generally not a long-term solution.

4. Pine Bark Beetles

What is it?

Pine Bark Beetles are a group of insects that attack and kill pine trees by boring through the bark and feeding on the tree’s phloem. Infestations can cause tree decline, branch dieback, and eventual tree death.

How to manage it?

Preventing Pine Bark Beetle infestations involves maintaining tree health through proper watering, fertilization, and tree pruning. Infested trees should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the beetles. Insecticides can be applied to the bark of high-value trees as a preventive measure, but they are generally ineffective once an infestation occurs.

5. Thousand Cankers Disease

What is it?

Thousand Cankers Disease (TCD) is a lethal disease affecting primarily black walnut trees. It is caused by a combination of a fungus and the walnut twig beetle, which carries the fungus from tree to tree. The disease leads to numerous small cankers on branches and the trunk, eventually causing tree death.

How to manage it?

Preventing the spread of TCD is essential since there is no known cure for the disease. Monitor walnut trees for signs of the disease, such as branch dieback and small cankers. Infected trees should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the walnut twig beetle and the fungus. Avoid transporting walnut wood from infested areas to help control the spread of TCD.

Tree Service Nashville: Your Partner in Tree Care and Pest Management

At Tree Service Nashville, we understand the importance of protecting trees from diseases and pests. Our team of certified arborists can help you identify and manage these threats to keep your trees healthy and beautiful. We offer a wide range of tree care services, including tree pruning, tree removal, and tree trimming, to help you maintain the health and safety of your property.

If you suspect your trees are affected by any diseases or pests discussed in this article, don’t hesitate to contact Tree Service Nashville for professional advice and assistance. Together, we can preserve the beauty and value of your trees and contribute to a healthy, thriving environment in Nashville, TN, and the surrounding areas.