Keep an eye out for these common tree problems

Spring has arrived and it’s time to enjoy some outdoor activities in the garden. The season ushers in a host of changes to the plants as new life begins to break out everywhere. Trees, in particular, are no exception. Unfortunately, not all changes are for the better, as tree surveys often reveal some problems with plants in the spring. Diseases and insects are active in that season, and it is up to you to stay vigilant. Being proactive and not allowing problems to develop is a key strategy to ensure the health of the trees on your property. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Darkening of the leaves of the trees: although it is true that spring is the season of green, some trees exhibit a different color of leaves: brown. This is something that you will find very surprising, but it is a symptom of problems that you cannot ignore. After all, the contrast is quite striking. When you see leaves darken on the veins during the bud break period, you should assume it is a fungal disease. Anthracnose is the most likely type, as it thrives in cool, moist spring weather. To save the tree, you may need to resort to specialized treatment. It’s times like these that you need professional arboricultural consultants on your side.

You find a sticky substance on the leaves: Hungry aphids find the sap particularly palatable, as it contains a lot of carbohydrates. Once they have set their sights on a tree, they leave behind a sticky residue, also known as honeydew. This substance curls the leaves and attracts mold fungi. With multiple different types of aphids, you need to select a treatment option accordingly. Consult with experts about what solutions you can use to treat the aphid problem.

Scale Insects – In addition to aphids, you should also protect trees from scale insects. This is another common spring tree problem that needs to be addressed before it gets out of hand. Scale insects are similar to aphids in that they leave an identical mark, but they are much more destructive, albeit smaller. You can find them in groups, forming colored spots on the leaves, bark, and needles. Application of the proper insecticide is crucial to eliminate this problem.

Chewed and fallen leaves: If you notice large parts of the leaves on a tree missing and falling off prematurely in spring, it’s most likely caterpillars. Among the most common victims of these insects are maples, oaks, elms, apple, walnut, beech, and ash trees. If you already see such damage on your trees, you probably need to apply some insecticide. In the fall, you should focus on caterpillar prevention by using an insecticidal tree band.

Here are 4 of the most common spring tree problems to watch out for. Catch them early enough, and you better be able to control them. Otherwise, a tree survey will reveal problems the next time it is done.