How to Spot Tree Disease Early—And What Our Arborists Can Do to Help

Trees don’t talk—but they do tell us things. You just have to know what to look for.

Trees are living organisms. Like people, they can get sick. And just like with people, the earlier you catch the problem, the better the outcome. When tree diseases go unnoticed, they can spread fast. Leaves fall too soon. Branches die. Whole trees collapse. And if it spreads to nearby trees or plants? You could lose a lot more than shade.

In this blog, we’ll show you how to spot the early signs of tree disease. We’ll also explain what our certified arborists can do to help protect your trees—and your property.

Why Early Detection Matters

Tree diseases can sneak in quietly. A small patch of discolored leaves might not seem like much—but it can be the first sign of something serious. The longer a disease has to take hold, the harder and more expensive it becomes to fix.

Think of it like a cavity. Catch it early, and a small filling solves the problem. Wait too long, and you're looking at a root canal—or worse.

Local weather can also play a role in disease spread. Around here, our humid springs and stormy summers create perfect conditions for fungal growth. Add in compacted soil, storm damage, or drought stress, and your trees are more vulnerable than ever.

That’s why it’s smart to have a trusted tree care expert assess the health of your trees regularly. Our arborists are trained to spot what most homeowners miss—and we have the tools and treatments to stop problems in their tracks.

Top Signs Your Tree Might Be Sick

You don’t need a degree in forestry to spot trouble. Here are some warning signs anyone can look for:

Unusual Leaf Color or Shape

If leaves turn yellow, brown, or spotty out of season, take notice. Curled or misshapen leaves might also mean trouble. Look for patterns—like one side of the tree looking different than the other.

Early Leaf Drop

Trees should lose their leaves in the fall, not summer. If your tree starts shedding when it shouldn’t, something’s wrong. It could be stress, disease, or insect damage.

Dead or Dying Branches

Look up. If you see bare branches, brittle twigs, or branches without leaves when others are full, those limbs may be dead. Left untreated, they can fall and cause property damage or injury.

Cracks or Cankers on the Trunk

A canker is a sunken, dead area on the bark. These often signal disease. Cracks can let in pests and pathogens. Either way, it’s a red flag.

Mushrooms at the Base

Fungus growing at the base of a tree can be a sign of internal rot. It may look harmless, but it usually means the tree is decaying from the inside out.

Sticky or Oozing Sap

Sticky residue or dripping sap, especially if it smells strange, can indicate pest problems or disease like bacterial wetwood.

Unusual Growths or Galls

Sometimes trees form strange bumps, lumps, or knots. These can be signs of insects, bacteria, or viruses affecting the tree's tissue.

Common Tree Diseases in Our Area

Each region has its own tree challenges, and ours is no different. Here are a few diseases we see often:

Anthracnose

This fungal disease shows up in spring, especially after rainy weather. It causes leaf spots, curled edges, and twig dieback. It affects sycamore, dogwood, and oak trees in particular.

Fire Blight

Common in apple and pear trees, fire blight makes branches look like they were scorched by fire. It's highly contagious and can wipe out young trees quickly.

Powdery Mildew

That white, powdery coating you see on leaves? It’s not dust. It’s a fungus that weakens trees over time and stunts growth.

Root Rot

Caused by poor drainage and overwatering, root rot attacks the foundation of the tree. Often, you won’t know it’s there until the tree starts leaning—or falling.

Dutch Elm Disease & Oak Wilt

Both are devastating fungal diseases that travel through the tree’s vascular system. Once infected, trees can die quickly unless treated early.

What an Arborist Does (And Why It Matters)

An arborist is more than a tree trimmer. They’re trained specialists who understand tree biology, diseases, pest control, soil health, and safe removal practices.

When we inspect a tree, we don’t just look at the leaves—we look at the whole system. Roots, trunk, branches, canopy, surrounding soil, drainage, and exposure to sun or wind. Our goal is to find the cause—not just treat the symptom.

Depending on what we find, we might recommend:

• Pruning diseased branches to stop the spread

• Soil testing and amendments to improve root health

• Targeted treatments like fungicides or pest control

• Cabling or bracing for weakened limbs

• Deep root fertilization to help stressed trees recover

• Full removal if the tree poses a danger

Every tree is different. Our job is to give you a clear picture and a safe, cost-effective plan.

What You Can Do to Help Your Trees

You’re the first line of defense. The better care you give your trees, the less likely they are to get sick in the first place. Here’s what you can do:

Water Properly

Too much or too little water stresses a tree. Aim for deep watering once a week, especially during dry spells.

Mulch Around the Bas

Mulch keeps roots cool and holds moisture. But don’t pile it against the trunk—leave space for air to circulate

Don’t Over-Prune

Removing too many limbs weakens a tree. Only prune dead, diseased, or crossing branches—and do it during the right season.

Watch for Changes

Make it a habit to look at your trees once a week. Spotting early signs helps you act quickly.

Keep Soil Healthy

Avoid compacting the soil around trees with heavy equipment or foot traffic. Healthy soil supports strong roots.

When to Call for Help

If you're ever unsure, it’s better to ask. A quick checkup from a certified arborist can mean the difference between saving a tree and losing it.

Trees are long-term investments. They boost your property value, offer shade, clean the air, and make your yard feel like home. Taking care of them is worth it.

Whether you’re worried about one tree or want a full property inspection, we’re here to help. Our team is local, experienced, and ready to get our hands dirty—so your trees can stay healthy and strong.

Final Thoughts

Tree diseases don’t fix themselves. But if you know what to look for—and who to call when things go wrong—you can keep your trees thriving for decades.

Don’t wait for a tree to start falling apart. Stay ahead of the game by learning the early signs and getting expert help when you need it. Your trees (and your wallet) will thank you later.