Ash trees are one of the most beautiful trees found in the world. These tend to be a common sight in the US and Canada and are known for their strong wood and versatility. Some people may have them in their back or front yard to improve the visual appeal of their house. Ash trees, like all the other types, tend to experience diseases and need proper maintenance. Sometimes, the problem may become worse to the point where it may need to be brought down by tree cutting services. So, below are some diseases which, if become worse, will lead to the death of the tree. You will need to your ash tree to prevent damage to the other trees in the surrounding area.

Ash Tree Diseases

Here are some common ash tree diseases that can rob an ash tree of its life.

Ash Anthracnose Disease

Ash Anthracnose disease is common in green ash. This disease is quite specific in the type of trees it affects such as the green ash. This means that the anthracnose of oak will not affect the ash and the anthracnose of ash will not affect any other type of tree.

But, when it comes to handling and managing both diseases, more or less the same techniques and remedies are used. The most common signs that your ash tree is suffering from disease include the development of large black or tan patches resulting in leaf deformation.

The trees may also develop small purple to brown spots. In the worst-case scenario, complete defoliation of the tree may also occur. The anthracnose disease occurs in the spring and prefers cool and wet weather. The best way to tackle the disease is to cut the affected branches. Plus, you should make sure to dispose of the fallen leaves to prevent the excess pores from spreading.

Ash Yellows

This is another common problem among ash trees. The problem with this disease is that it does not wait for the tree to grow and can attack ash trees of all ages. Some popular signs of an ash tree suffering from ash yellows are the leaves appearing thinner, smaller, and lighter green.

Plus, the trees may also grow branches in tufts. You may observe that the growth pattern of such trees is a lot slower than that of normal trees. A tree affected by ash yellows is affected by a bacteria-like organism. There is no definite cause as to why it takes place but leafhoppers tend to be the primary means through which this disease spreads.

Unfortunately, this disease is incurable. The only way to stop it in its tracks is by removing the infected parts to prevent the spread of phytoplasma to healthy trees. If the disease happens to spread to other trees, you might notice them after a while, which could lead to its death. So, ensuring that the disease has been removed from its root is the only way for other trees to survive.

Verticillium Wilt

Verticillium Wilt is a fungal disease that affects more than 300 species of plants, which makes it one of the most lethal diseases out there. If you notice that the leaves of your ash tree are turning yellow, brown, and dry, it means it is most likely affected by this disease.

In most cases, you will notice one side of the tree wilting or several branches. Plus, you will also see the discoloration of the wood once you prune it. This disease often takes place in trees that are experiencing drought and stress from salts and nutrients. The disease is a soil-born problem.

This means that the disease is most likely to occur in the root system. The disease produces resting structures in the soil that help it to survive for many years. A tree suffering from verticillium wilt will have problems with water movement.

To prevent this disease, plant the tree in a contaminated-free area. And, to reduce its effect, you should carry out tree risk assessment to make sure that the tree is structurally sound. Then, either prune the tree or use proper chemicals and fertilizers.

Ash Rust

Ash Rust mostly affects green, white, and black ash. This disease causes yellow-orange spots to appear on the leaves. As the disease takes its course, the leaves develop bright-orange-yellow clusters of spore-producing structures underneath.

Plus, you will also observe the leaf and stem have swellings that look similar to warts. With time, the disease will take its full effect and damage the entire tree. In the worst-case scenario, you will observe that the tree has begun defoliation.

The ash rust fungus is mostly spread through wind. This means that if there are any other trees near the affected tree, they might also suffer from this disease. You may observe the symptoms in mid-May and to treat ash rust, you will need to apply Immunox or Systhane WSP.

Keep in mind that this can only be used as a preventive measure and not something that could help get rid of the tree disease entirely once it has been infected. To keep other trees from getting this disease, you should hire emergency tree services Potomac to remove the tree.

Powdery Mildew

Powdery Mildew is yet another common disease that can affect several types of trees as well. The most common types include maple, dogwood, crabapple, basswood, and catalpa. This fungus produces a small chain of spores that give the infected area a white powdery appearance.

This infection may cause the leaves to brown, distort, or drop prematurely. Powdery Mildew is a clever disease in the sense that it waits for the buds to open in the spring. Once they do, the buds are covered with powdery spores. At the same time, the wind also carries them to infect new leaves and fruits.

However, the good news is that powdery mildew is not that lethal. The young ash trees tend to be mostly affected by this disease. The best way to treat and prevent this disease from taking place is by improving air circulation to reduce moisture. You may prune the plants to ensure the others in the surroundings receive proper room to breathe as well.

How To Prevent Ash Tree Diseases?

While some ash tree diseases can be stopped in their tracks, others cannot. This is possible if the ash trees are properly maintained and looked after by an arborist. Timely pruning and fertilizing the trees not only strengthens and prolongs their lifespan but also prevents such diseases from taking place.

The reason is that the trees tend to develop a strong immune system that helps them fight against such problems. Otherwise, if the trees are left to grow, you will be offering ground for such diseases to take place. A tree with pruned branches is a lot safer than a tree with overgrown ones.

Therefore, make sure that your ash trees are regularly inspected and cared for. This is the best way to prevent the wind from spreading the spores to the other trees.

Conclusion

Make sure that you act on treating the diseases as soon as you spot the early symptoms. Plus, you should also consult and hire arborist services Chevy Chase. They can both prevent and remove the disease from its roots to ensure the trees get to live a healthy life. Moreover, in some cases, they may suggest tree removal as well.