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8 Common Tree Diseases in Massachusetts
Inevitably you will have to deal with tree disease in your landscape. Identifying and treating tree disease in a timely manner can mitigate the problem and prevent tree loss. In Massachusetts, we have several tree diseases that you can keep a look out for in your own yard. If you are concerned you may have an issue with one of the following tree diseases, you should contact us right away to schedule a consultation.
Cedar Apple Rust
You can spot this fungus by its orange or reddish color. Per the US Forest Service, “A heavily infested redcedar can look a tree decorated for the holidays.”
Leaf Spot -- Rhododendron
If you see dark splotches on your rhododendron you may have Leaf Spot – a fungal infection. This infection can cause defoliation, weakening, and possibly death of your rhododendron.
Black Spot -- Rose
Rose black spot is a fungal disease of roses. Black spots (or purple) will develop on infected leaves. Often this will lead the leaves to drop early.
Dogwood Anthracnose
The early symptoms of Dogwood anthracnose begin in mid to late May as leaf spots with tan or purple borders. The disease spreads from infected leaves into the twigs and branches and can cause dieback of the limbs.
Apple Scab
Apple scab is caused by the fungus Venturia inaequalis. It infects crabapples and apples (Malus spp.), mountain ash (Sorbus spp.), pear (Pyrus communis) and Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp.). The first symptoms of this disease are found in the foliage, blossoms, and developing fruits of affected trees, which develop dark, irregularly-shaped lesions upon infection.
Tar spot
With this fungal disease, you may initially notice small yellowish spots, but as the disease progresses these spots will begin to look like small blobs of tar.
Marginal Leaf Scorch
Scorch is often called a disease, but it is not caused by fungus, bacteria, or virus -- nor does it result from insect attack. However, these problems may add to the seriousness of scorch. The best control for leaf scorch is proper management.
Dutch Elm Disease
Look for signs of Dutch Elm Disease in mid-June to July. This is when you'll begin to see wilting of the leaves.