Tree and shrub diseases have the potential to cause extensive harm to your plants. Unfortunately, there are three common ones in Westfield, NJ, including powdery mildew, anthracnose, and needle cast. Powdery mildew, for instance, can result in leaves becoming covered with a powdery substance, leading to a decline in the overall health of your trees and shrubs. Similarly, anthracnose causes irregular brown spots on the leaves, which eventually curl and drop off. Another prevalent disease is needle cast, which primarily affects pine and spruce trees, causing needles to prematurely turn brown or yellow and fall off.

Powdery Mildew Results in White, Powdery Growth on the Leaves of Trees & Shrubs

Powdery mildew found on plant on property in Westfield, NJ.

Powdery mildew is one of the most common diseases affecting trees and shrubs in Westfield, NJ. This fungus typically starts out as small, circular patches of white or grayish-white powder on leaves, but it can spread quickly and cover an entire plant if not treated promptly. Powdery mildew commonly appears on the upper sides of leaves and can also form on stems and young shoots. This disease thrives in warm, dry conditions and tends to affect plants when they're under stress. However, it doesn't discriminate, and it can infect any type of woody plant, including deciduous trees and evergreen shrubs.

Anthracnose Causes Irregular Brown Spots & Withering of Plant Leaves

Tree disease found on leaf in Westfield, NJ.

Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can severely damage trees and shrubs in Westfield, NJ, if left untreated. This disease affects various types of trees and shrubs, causing irregular brown spots on the leaves and eventually causing them to curl and drop off. In severe cases, affected branches may become stunted, resulting in crown thinning.

Anthracnose usually becomes most problematic during periods of cool, wet weather, especially when there is extended leaf wetness. Young trees and stressed plants are particularly vulnerable to this disease, so maintaining proper watering and soil conditions can help prevent its development.

Prune infected branches and remove dead wood to prevent anthracnose from spreading throughout the rest of your shrubs and trees.

Needle Cast Turns Tree Needles Brown & Causes Them to Fall Off

Tree in Westfield, NJ, with needle cast disease.

Needle cast is a group of diseases caused by different fungi that attack the needles of trees, specifically pine and spruce species, among others. These diseases often start out as light-yellow patches on the tips of the needles, gradually becoming darker until they eventually turn brown or black and fall off. The overall health of the tree may be impacted, as needle cast weakens and makes them more susceptible to other stressors like drought, pests, and environmental conditions.

Similar to other tree diseases in Westfield, NJ, needle cast thrives in moist environments and can become worse during periods of high humidity and rainfall. Proper pruning practices, adequate air circulation, and mulch around the base of the tree can all help reduce the risk of infection.

Safeguard your tree and shrubs from diseases by calling us to schedule our plant health services!

If you want to protect your trees and shrubs from diseases like powdery mildew, anthracnose, and needle cast, we offer just what you need. At Stream Line Lawn & Landscape, we offer curative and preventative tree and shrub disease control treatments through our plant health services. In addition, we also offer fertilization and insect control treatments to nourish your plants while combatting damage-causing infestations. We provide these services to residential and commercial property owners in Westfield, NJ, and nearby areas like Watchung and Warren. Give us a call today at (833) 452-9666 to sign up for our plant health services and give yourself peace of mind knowing your valuable plants are protected from harmful diseases!