Across the south and especially in Georgia, there are a number of tree pests and tree diseases that can run rampant. Unfortunately, Georgia’s year-round heat and humidity can create ideal conditions for tree diseases and pests to thrive.
A few examples of common tree diseases and pests here in the Atlanta area include Black Knot, Powdery Mildew, Oak Leaf Blister, and Aphids. Likewise, Pine Beetles can also wreak havoc on pine trees by boring through tree trunks and effectively killing them. Additionally, cavities in tree trunks can serve as entry points for pests and diseases, further compromising the health of the tree.
If you have trees on your residential or commercial property, it’s important to keep an eye out for some common signs of tree pests and diseases. This way, you can act quickly if a problem arises and take some proactive measures to protect the trees on your property.
Signs of Tree Pests and Diseases
Anytime something seems “off” about any of your trees, it’s important to investigate further. Having a tree care professional come out and evaluate a tree is usually the best course of action and the easiest way to figure out exactly what’s going on. Furthermore, there are some specific “red flags” to watch out for that could be indicative of common tree pests and diseases here in Georgia.
Welting/Bumps
Strange bumps or welts on a tree’s trunk and/or limbs can be a telltale sign of a disease or pest infestation. Specifically, trees suffering from Black Knot will often display dark-colored bumps where the fungal infection has taken its toll. This disease is most commonly found on cherry and plum trees, so be sure to keep an eye out.
Trees suffering from a Pine Beetle infestation may also display white bumps or welts on their surface; this occurs as a result of the pests boring into the tree to lay eggs. Any species of pine can succumb to this tree disease—and unfortunately, there is no treatment for it.
Spotty Leaves
Another thing to watch out for is the appearance of yellow spots on a tree’s leaves; these can be a sign of a pest known as an aphid. This pest feeds on the leaves and sap of a tree, which can cause damage over time.
Chewing Insects
Last but not least, if you notice any unusual insect activity on or around a tree on your property, it’s worth looking into this further. While some insects are harmless enough, there are many pests (including the aphid and the pine beetle) that can kill off a tree over time. It is especially important to act quickly if there are signs that an insect is boring or chewing into the tree itself.
How to Protect Trees From Pests
Proper care and maintenance are key to protecting the trees on your property from pests and disease. Regular trimming and pruning of dead and dying branches will go a long way in maintaining the health of your tree, as will calling a tree professional at the first sign of a problem.
Looking for a tree service you can trust? Our team at Atlanta Tree Professionals is here for you! Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
