Is white fungus on trees dangerous? It depends on the type of fungus and the tree’s overall health. While you can typically resolve white fungus due to powdery mildew, white fungus because of heart rot poses a greater risk to the tree’s health and stability.
As the best tree service in Milton, GA, the Georgia Tree Company crew explores the impact of white fungus on trees. Keep reading to understand tree fungus risks and the health effects of tree fungus.
Heart Rot
As the name suggests, heart rot occurs when an infected tree decays from the core outward. By the time the symptoms of infection become apparent, the situation has probably already escalated.
Unfortunately, heart rot goes unnoticed until significant damage has occurred, and getting the tree healthy again may prove challenging. Call a certified arborist to assess both the presence of white fungus and the tree’s health so they can use their expertise to try to save the tree.
However, the arborist will advise removal if the tree has undergone extensive white fungus tree damage. You’ll also need to burn the stump to minimize the risks of white tree fungus spreading. White fungus often enters a tree through wounds, so focus on protecting your trees from wounds.
Consider a proactive strategy that involves annual evaluations to pinpoint potential issues early.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew spreads fast and looks unsightly but rarely kills the tree. It can slow growth and cause nasty scars, but it’s nowhere near as deadly as heart rot.
So, is white fungus on trees dangerous? Not so much with powdery mildew. Powdery mildew primarily affects the tree’s appearance rather than compromising its health.
This mildew thrives in moist conditions and often affects maples, dogwoods, magnolias, and basswood. It can also have many symptoms. Keep an eye out for a layer of fine white dust or spots of pure white color on the trunk and leaves.
Over time, leaves may discolor and drop because of a lack of nutrients. The tree may also display white mushroom-like growths, resembling those seen in cases of heart rot. These growths can develop into spherical fungal masses as fall approaches.
Several fungicides exist on the market that effectively treat powdery mildew disease. Just exercise caution to prevent poisoning other plants. Alternatively, consider natural alternatives like dousing the spots with neem oil or spraying a mixture of baking soda and water on the tree.
Count on Your Local Tree Care Experts for Help
Is white fungus on trees dangerous? Why not let our certified arborists at Georgia Tree Company inspect your trees and recommend the best solution? Did you know that white fungus can be a natural biological control against invasive species?
As a local business, we understand the challenges that face the community and specialize in a wide variety of tree work, including:
- Tree removal
- Tree trimming and pruning
- Stump grinding
- Emergency tree services
Call Georgia Tree Company at (404) 990-0010 to request a free estimate for tree services in Milton, Georgia. Reach out to learn about various types of tree damage.