How To Identify Common Tree Diseases In Ontario

Trees are beautiful additions to any property. But having trees in your yard comes with the responsibility of making sure they stay strong and healthy. If a disease is not handled correctly, you may be needing tree removal services in Cambridge. 

As with all other plants and animals, trees are susceptible to various diseases that depend on where they are located and how well they are cared for. In Ontario, fungi and insects are the most common instigators of tree disease. However, various environmental factors can also play a role in determining how healthy a tree is. These can include soil quality, drought, air pollution, and construction. 

If you have trees on your property, it is important to know what type of trees they are and how to identify tree diseases that may be prevalent in your area. The following are some of the most common types of diseases found around Ontario and may affect your greenery. 

The Emerald Ash Borer

This is perhaps the most talked-about condition that is currently affecting trees in Ontario. This beetle from Asia attacks and kills trees by feeding off their inner bark and disrupting the flow of water and nutrients. This invasive insect can affect all species of ash trees and is so dangerous because it cannot be detected without cutting the tree down or skinning off a large portion of the bark. After about two years of infestation, signs such as crackling bark, small holes, and loss of tree density will begin to show. Most trees that are infected by the emerald ash borer will die in two to three years of becoming infected with the disease. 

Dutch Elm Disease

Elm bark beetles act as carriers of the fungus that causes Dutch elm disease. The disease blocks the water-conducting systems that help to keep the tree hydrated and alive. The beetles transfer the disease from infected trees to healthy ones. 

Dutch Elm Disease can be identified by leaves curing and shrivelling on one or more tree branches which will eventually turn yellow and wilt. Once all of the leaves have wilted, the entire tree will die. This lethal disease can affect all species of elm trees except for Siberian, Chinese, and Japanese. 

Beech Bark Disease

This newly discovered disease in Southwestern Ontario poses a major threat to all beech trees in the area. Caused by a species of Nectria fungi and beech bark scale, these two conditions together form the deadly combination. Once a tree is stressed by scale infestation, the fungi will move in to invade and kill the bark. 

Trees affected by Beech bark disease will have discoloured and missing scales, brown liquid oozing from the dead bark, and leave that do not reach their full colour or size. All species of beech trees can be affected by this invasive disease. 

Asian Long-Horned Beetle

This beetle’s larvae tunnel through trees, leading to fungal growth, weakness, and ultimately death. This beetle has been found to affect multiple kinds of trees in Southwestern Ontario, including Birch, hackberry, maple, elm, aspen, willow, and others. 

When a tree becomes infected with this disease, they generally die within a short period of time. This can have a devastating impact on Canadian forests. Signs of an Asian long-horned beetle infestation include holes that are 20mm in diameter or larger. 

By taking care of the trees on your property, you can help to improve the greater local ecosystem. By arming yourself with knowledge and knowing how to spot disease on your trees, you can improve the chances of keeping it alive by getting treatment. 

If you believe one of your trees may be affected by a disease, contact our experts at Martin’s Tree Service. Our professionals offer tree diagnostics, treatment, and tree removal services in Cambridge.