Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
This seems to be the year of tree diseases, but don't be alarmed. I've seen a lot of diseases on trees this year, but happily most of them are not devastating.
The reason for the increase in tree disease this year is weather. Spring weather conditions this year were perfect for many tree diseases to develop. Many plant diseases prefer wet spring conditions, which we had. In addition, the odd weather patterns the last couple of years have left many trees stressed and less able to fight off pest infestations.
Some of the diseases I saw this spring and early summer include anthracnose, fire blight, cedar-apple rust, and apple scab.
Anthracnose can attack many trees, but is most common on sycamore. This year it has also attacked many oaks leaving some tree owners thinking their trees are dying. Actually, the trees are just fine, and in fact most sent out new leaves already this summer.
Cedar-apple rust and apple scab cause unsightly spots on the leaves of apples (including susceptible ornamental crabapples). If severe "enough, the spots can entirely cover the leaves, causing the leaves to fall from the tree. The best way to control these diseases is to plant a resistant variety. Otherwise, use good sanitation and rake up all fallen leaves and debris to remove the fungus. Sprays are done early next spring, but timing is difficult.
Our University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Plant Detectives have fielded numerous fireblight calls this year. Fireblight is the most common and destructive bacterial disease of apples and pears (including ornamental pears). The disease is so named because infected leaves on very susceptible trees will suddenly turn brown or black, appearing as though they had been scorched by fire. The end of the branch may bend over, resembling a shepherd's crook or an upside down "J".
Fireblight is one of the most difficult diseases of apple and pear to control, and there is no one procedure that will give complete control. We are long past the time when chemical sprays would help. We recommend removing blighted branches as they occur. Preferably, this should be done in dry weather and tissue removed from the site. Remember to disinfect pruners before every cut and to make cuts 10 inches beyond the blighted area. Do not fertilize infected plants now. That would encourage succulent new growth, which is susceptible to infection.
Want to learn more about plant diseases? Join Illinois Master Gardener Coordinator, Monica David, as she compares and contrasts abiotic (non-living) and biotic (pathogen) problems on your landscape plants. Monica will discuss symptoms, occurrence and diagnosis of specific abiotic problems. Abiotic Plant Problems on Landscape Plants is presented live on October 20 at 1:30 p.m. and again on October 22 at 6:30 p.m. Or you can watch the YouTube video following the live webinars. Go to www.extension.illinois.edu and click on calendar for more information.
MEET THE AUTHOR
As horticulture educator, Rhonda Ferree inspired citizens in local communities to grow their own food and improve their home landscapes. She focused on high quality, impactful programs that taught homeowners how to create energy-efficient landscapes using sustainable practices that increase property values and help the environment.
After 30 years with University of Illinois Extension, Rhonda retired in 2018. She continues to share her passion for horticulture related topics as “Retro Rhonda” on social media.
ABOUT THE BLOG
ILRiverHort is a blog that helps people connect to nature and grow.