A wet spring may seem like Mother Nature’s gift to our landscape. After all, trees are soaking in all the water they can as they wake up for the season. 

But fungi love warmer temps and rain even more than our plants. To keep your trees and plants healthy this spring, prevention is often the best protection against diseases caused by fungi. The earlier you spot a problem, the better.

Below, find symptoms of common tree diseases to look out for this spring – and learn what to do if you find them.

3 Common Tree Diseases Caused By Fungi During A Wet Spring

Don’t know where to begin diagnosing your tree? Leaves and needles typically tell what condition you're dealing with.

1. Tree Leaves Are Brown Near The Vein - Or Have Brown Or Yellow Blotchy Spots

These are symptoms of anthracnose. Early leaf drop can occur in the worst-case scenario. Luckily, a proper tree care regimen can stop anthracnose before it does significant damage. Read more about managing anthracnose

2. Apple Tree Leaves Have Spots – Then Turn Pale And Drop Too Early

Your tree is likely suffering from apple scab. Also, the leaf color doesn’t fade right away. The leaves first have yellow dots, then become dark green and dark brown. You can treat apple scab on your trees in a few ways, and with help, your tree can recover!

3. Needles On Your Spruce Tree Turn Bright Yellow, Then Brown

This is likely rhizosphaera needle cast. Eventually, the brown needles will drop prematurely. Learn how to help your tree by treating and managing needle cast. Without help, this can kill your trees within a few years

Think your tree is suffering from one of these spring diseases? Set up a free consultation with your arborist to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Anthracnose
Apple Scab
Rhizosphaera Needle Cast

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