How to Identify and Treat Common Tree Diseases in North Texas

Trees in North Texas face a variety of challenges, from harsh weather to invasive pests and diseases. Recognizing the signs of common tree diseases and knowing how to treat them can help you save your trees and prevent the spread of disease to others in your landscape. Here are some of the most common tree diseases in the region and how to deal with them.
1. Oak Wilt
Oak wilt is one of the most serious tree diseases affecting oak trees in Texas, particularly live oaks and red oaks. The fungus responsible for oak wilt blocks the water-conducting vessels of the tree, causing the tree to wilt and eventually die.
Symptoms:
Leaves turn dull green or bronze before wilting.
Veins on leaves may turn brown, forming a “veinal necrosis” pattern.
Leaf drop, especially in red oaks, occurs early.
Treatment:
Once oak wilt is established, it can be challenging to manage. Early detection is key. If you suspect oak wilt:
Contact a certified arborist immediately for professional assessment.
Avoid pruning oaks during spring and summer months, as fresh wounds can attract beetles that spread the fungus.
Fungicide injections can be effective in the early stages, and creating a trench to disrupt root grafts between infected and healthy trees may prevent spread.
2. Hypoxylon Canker
Hypoxylon canker is a fungal disease that commonly affects oak, pecan, and elm trees weakened by drought or environmental stress. The fungus attacks the bark and cambium, eventually killing the tree.
Symptoms:
Dead or dying branches.
Brown or tan-colored fungal mats on the trunk or limbs.
Peeling bark and eventual tree death.
Treatment:
Unfortunately, there is no cure once Hypoxylon canker takes hold. Prevention is the best method.
Keep trees healthy with proper watering, mulching, and pruning to reduce stress.
Remove infected trees as soon as possible to prevent the spread to nearby healthy trees.
3. Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a group of fungal diseases that can affect a variety of tree species, including sycamores, oaks, and maples. It primarily attacks leaves, causing them to develop dark, sunken lesions and eventually fall prematurely.
Symptoms:
Dark, irregular lesions on leaves.
Early leaf drop.
Twigs and branches may develop cankers.
Treatment:
Prune affected branches and dispose of fallen leaves to prevent reinfection.
Apply a fungicide during the dormant season to protect against future outbreaks.
Ensure proper spacing between trees to improve airflow and reduce the spread of fungal spores.
4. Bacterial Leaf Scorch
Bacterial leaf scorch affects several types of trees, including oaks, elms, and maples. The bacteria block water flow in the tree, causing symptoms that resemble drought stress.
Symptoms:
Leaves develop scorched edges, turning brown while the veins remain green.
Leaves eventually die and fall off.
Branch dieback in advanced stages.
Treatment:
There is no cure for bacterial leaf scorch, but affected trees can often be managed with proper care.
Water trees deeply and regularly to reduce drought stress.
In severe cases, removing the tree may be necessary to prevent the disease from spreading.
Conclusion
Tree diseases are a significant threat to the health and longevity of your trees, but early detection and treatment can often save them. If you notice any of these symptoms or are concerned about the health of your trees, contact us at [Tree Service Company] for a professional evaluation and treatment plan.
Link to a page on disease diagnosis and treatment services.
Link to previous blog posts about seasonal tree care.