Have you ever noticed black spots, spot fungus, or tar spots on the leaves of your trees? If you have, you may wonder if these are signs of a serious underlying problem. Are these indicators that your trees are unhealthy?
There are several reasons that leaves turn black and fall from trees. Spotting leaves do not always indicate a problem. However, if the leaf spots occur with other symptoms or conditions, it may mean that your tree is sick and needs a little extra care.
Tree service professionals in Magnolia, TX, can help you evaluate the black spots and determine whether there is a problem with your trees. Correctly identifying and treating leaf spot problems will help keep your trees healthy.
What Are the Symptoms of a Tree Disease?
Black tar-like spots on a plant’s leaves can be a sign of a tree disease. Pathogenic fungi usually cause leaf spots, but pollution, insects, or bacteria can also cause this condition.
The spots may grow larger to form blotches that coalesce. It is vital to recognize the signs and symptoms of leaf spots and identify which fungal pathogen is causing the issue.
If the spots do become larger and combine, the pattern of these blotches is often angular, making them easy to distinguish from other leaf spots. Trees infected with this disease often have premature leaf drop.
Defoliation is a progressive condition in which the leaves of a plant become infected with fungi and die. The severity of defoliation depends on the age and size of the tree. As small or newly planted trees are still growing, they may suffer damage if they lose their leaves before they mature.
Leaf Spot Fungi Life Cycle
Leaf spot fungi have life cycles of varying lengths, but spring is the most harmful season for leaves. During spring, many fungal spores land on new, tender leaves during wet weather and infect them.
Overwintering fungal spores on fallen leaves discharge their spores during or following a rain, which becomes lodged in newly emerging leaves. These spores penetrate the leaf surface, producing a fine brown or black dust-like growth known as “tar spot.” The two pathogens cause tar spot Rhytisma acerinum and Rhytisma punctatim.
Leaf Spot Prevention Measures
Severe leaf spot infestations can cause alarm, and spraying for scale is often ineffective. However, if the trees or shrubs are healthy, leaf spot diseases generally do not cause them to die.
Trees suffering from stress are more vulnerable to a leaf spot fungus. We usually recommend chemicals when a tree has weakened from leaf spot disease.
The best strategy to prevent leaf spot diseases is to keep your trees and garden healthy. The best way to do that is to give adequate water and nutrients.
Proper fertilization encourages healthy and robust plant growth. Before fertilizing, it is crucial to test your soil and measure nitrogen levels. Adequate nitrogen in your soil leads to strong, healthy foliage.
Are the Spots on Your Tree’s Leaves a Serious Problem?
Everyone who has had a tree in their yard has probably experienced a leaf spot problem. While the spots aren’t serious, they are unsightly and can affect the aesthetic quality of your property.
Leaf spots appear as small circular dots on a tree’s foliage and point to a fungal infestation. They do not cause harm to trees, but they can make it difficult for the tree to metabolize nutrients.
For a correct diagnosis of your tree’s condition, please call us today to schedule an appointment for tree trimming and pruning by Nature’s Tree Removal.
