Noticing anything out of the ordinary with your tree, like the presence of black spots, will always leave you concerned. After all, the last thing you want to do is remove a tree that brought so much beauty and charm to your property.
What causes black spots on tree leaves and bark? Can you get the tree back to its best? Read on as we answer these questions and highlight how scheduling professional tree services in Milton, GA, can help.
Common Diseases That Cause Black Spots on Trees
Here are some of the common causes of black spots on trees.
Black Spot Fungus
These are types of fungi that thrive when there isn’t enough circulation of air and sunlight between your tree’s branches. The two most common ones are sooty mold and black knot fungus.
Sooty mold grows on the sticky substance that certain insects like aphids excrete. While it might not harm your tree directly, the black spots can block sunlight from getting to the leaves, hindering photosynthesis.
Black knot fungus is far more serious, with the disease causing the formation of black, hard, and swollen growths on branches and twigs. These eventually girdle branches, impeding the flow of water and nutrients. If left untreated, they can kill your tree.
Tree Rust
The black spots on tree leaves could also result from tree rust, a fungal infection that produces black pustules. The infection mostly affects the leaves of willows, poplars, and birch trees.
Tar Spot
If you have a maple or sycamore tree with thick and raised black spots, chances are your tree has tar spot. This is especially true if the spots appear like splashes of tar.
Treatment for Black Spots on Tree Leaves
While the spots might go dormant when temperatures rise, the infection doesn’t go away. Thankfully, there’s a treatment.
First, you’ll need to reach out to certified arborists and have them assess your tree. Afterward, they’ll trim the infected branches and remove the leaves from your yard. They might also apply fungicide, killing the spores before they worsen.
They’ll also give you tips on how to prevent black spots and tree diseases. For instance, they might recommend trimming your tree regularly to allow fresh air to move around more freely.
Giving your tree enough water and nutrients will also help keep it healthy, which will go a long way in making it more resistant to tree disease.
Address Your Tree’s Black Spots With Professional Care
As common as black spots on tree leaves are, it doesn’t make them any less alarming, especially for homeowners who take great pride in maintaining pristine landscapes. Thankfully, here at Georgia Tree Company, we specialize in offering expert tree care, dedicating our expertise to safeguarding the health and longevity of your trees.From identifying black spot fungus on trees to implementing proper measures, let us help keep your tree safe from the dangers of tree fungus. Call us today at 404-990-0010 to learn more.