Top 10 Tree Problems In Northern Utah

1.  Aphids

• Common problem from late May through July
• Small pear shaped insects found on and under leaves
• Leaves may curl around insects
• Leaves will be sticky from a honeydew substance the aphids excrete
• Tree may appear a little off color
• Wasps and ants may be attracted to the honeydew the aphids produce

2.  Borer Damage

• Prevalent throughout growing season
• More common on willow, poplar, ash. birch, aspen and locust
• Small borer holes and frass (sawdust-like material) may be found on limbs, trunk, and in crouches
• One or more branches may die
• Sparse growth throughout the tree is common
• Often the branch or stem will swell where infested

3.  Broad-leaf Weed Killer Damage

• Frequently caused by herbicide applilcations made during hot weather
• Prevalent May through September
• Leaves curl or cup inward
• Veins become prominent
• Small stems may curl

4.  Iron Chlorosis

• Prevalent throughout the growing season
• Veins remain green while the area between veins turns yellow
• Newer growth is usually more susceptible than older
• Excess soil moisture reduces the availability of iron
• In severe cases leaves can turn almost white, will be smaller than normal, and can have brown spots or edges and scorch in hot weather
• Some tree species (peach, silver maple, catalpa, pines) are more susceptible than others

5.  Mechanical Damage

• Damage around the base of trunk caused from trimmers, mowers, and other equipment
• Damage to the internal transport/vascular system from tight tie wires or ropes
• Bark may sluff off above the wound
• Tree will show restricted growth and may be weaker on one side
• Branches above wound may be weakened and show signs of stress

6.  Root Rot

• Tree is loose in the soil and if the trunk is rocked back and forth the soil around the crown may move
• Soil around roots may have a distinct odor of rot or mildew
• Roots are soft, and may be streaked internally with the colors of purple, brown or black
• Leaves may be yellow, sparse and drop early
• Few or no small white feeder roots

7.  Slime Flux

• It is a bacterial infection of the vascular system, fermenting the sap and causing pressure to build up under the bark
• Prevalent throughout the year
• Frequently affects poplars, elms, willows, and mulberrys
• Slime, foam, or ooze exudes from the tree, sometimes associated with a wound
• The area may have a fermented putrid smell that attracts insects
• The oozing discolors the bark where it runs down the tree

8.  Summer Scorch

• Caused by very hot dry weather or a compromised root system
• Symptoms are most prevalent June through September
• Leaf margins and interveinal areas turn brown and die
• Southwest side of the tree and branches over driveways, roads, and other hard surfaces may be more affected
• Larger tree leaves may be more affected than smaller leaves
• Iron deficient trees scorch more easily

9.  Verticillium Wilt

• Caused by a soil born fungus that invades the vascular system reducing sap flow
• Affects tree throughout growing season
• One or many branches may wilt, become weakened, sparse or die
• When wood is cut into, a characteristic brown to gray streaking may be found
• The disease can be fatal

10. Normal Needle Drop

• Common on many pines, arborvitae and other evergreens
• Interior needles turn brown
• New or outer needles remain green
• More common in fall but may occur anytime

For solutions to tree problems or any other gardening concern or question, contact us at J&J and a qualified tree or gardening expert will help you.  (801-544-1211)

(All Articles Courtesy Of Utah State University)