Disease to trees and shrubbery takes place when a microorganism (fungi and bacteria) infects the plant and disrupts its normal growth. Environmental stress such as temperature extremes, air pollution and drought can also destroy a plant. Symptoms can range from slight discoloration to death.
The top ten most common diseases that damage plants in the Southeastern United States are:
1. Canker
A symptom of an injury often associated with an open wound that has become infected by a fungal or bacterial pathogen. Canker diseases frequently kill branches or structurally weaken a plant until the infected area breaks free, often in a wind or ice storm.
2. Blight
Blight is recognizable by the sudden death of all plant tissue including leaves, stems and flowers. It is typically caused by wet and humid conditions. Fire blight is a common bacterial infection that results in twig dieback.
3. Phytophthora Root & Crown Rot
Trees can suffer phytophthora for years before death. If the crown or basal stem is attacked, however, the tree may be killed within a single season. Young trees are especially vulnerable to phytophthora, due to their underdeveloped root systems and crowns. Good soil drainage is recommended to guard against phytophthora, as the disease thrives in warm, moist soil.
4. Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a symptom rather than a specific fungus. Many fungi produce these symptoms on specific host plants. The most common symptom of this group of diseases is irregular dead areas or blotches on the leaves. Sometimes whole leaves are engulfed.
5. Wilt
Leaves start to drop down and the plant begins to appear lifeless. It is usually caused by over or under watering or by pathogens.
6. Sooty Mold
Any plant infested with large numbers of sucking insects or growing beneath one of these plants may be affected by sooty mold. Sooty mold fungus is a general term for several species of fungi or molds that use the honeydew secreted by sucking insects as food to develop and grow. It generally does not cause damage to the plant, but can be a considerable nuisance to homeowners as it affects anything beneath the trees including hardscape, cars and structures.
7. Powdery Mildew
Mildew is one of the least harmful diseases that occurs on plants. It is easy to identify by a grey or white powdery coating on the plant. It is caused by fungal pathogens.
8. Leaf Curl
Leaf curl is a plant disease characterized by curling of leaves, and caused by a fungus, or virus. One of the most notable types is peach leaf curl, caused by the fungus Taphrina deformans, which infects peach, nectarine, and almond trees.
Houseman is the only complete service company in the Athens, GA area. We provide Weed control, fertilization, shrub care, mulch & pine straw, sod, annual plantings, irrigation, and commercial & residential lawn maintenance. We are also state certified and licensed in wood destroying organisms (termite control), household pest control, public heath, and turf & ornamental weed control. We are licensed to control and treat mosquitoes, termites, all pest problems and turf & ornamental weed control. Contact the professionals at Houseman Services and set up a free inspection of your yard. We have been servicing homes and businesses in the Athens, Clarke County area since 1985!