16 Aug
Routine maintenance practices like pruning can help keep your trees healthy and robust throughout the year. However, these measures don't guarantee protection from insects and diseases, hence the need to schedule professional inspections with a certified arborist in Georgia. Southern Star Stump has a team of well-trained and equipped technicians ready to provide your trees with the care they need to grow and thrive. Leverage our extensive industry knowledge and expertise to learn about common pests and diseases in Georgia and the preventative measures required to alleviate the risk of future attacks.
Many tree species in Georgia have spent nearly a millennia adapting and evolving to aggressive tree pests, climate change and invasive diseases. While trees have an effective defensive mechanism, failing to provide regular care can lead to severe tree damage and death. Here are some common pests and diseases that afflict Georgia's trees.
This disease has visible signs, such as withering and death of branches, twigs and the entire tree. A reddish tinge or dark patches on the bark with resin oozing from open cankers are usually detected in tree species like Leyland Cypress trees. The disease is spread by rain or irrigation splash, affecting branches and entire trees. Trees affected by heat and drought are more susceptible to Seiridium Canker, and early detection can help mitigate further damage. If a tree is severely damaged, you can rely on us for exceptional stump removal to prevent future attacks.
When a tree is infected with Hypoxylon Canker, the first noticeable signs include wilting and yellowing of leaves caused by stress on the tree. The disease causes stroma or cankers to develop beneath the bark, which turns to a grey and silver color on the outer layer. The cankers usually stress the trees found in urban areas due to the heat, wounds, drought, root damage and soil compaction. Routine maintenance checks can help detect the signs of the disease early before it gets out of hand. A dying or dead tree affected by Hypoxylon Canker should be removed, stump grinding or removed to protect the healthy surrounding trees.
These fungi attack the roots and are characterized by premature leaf drop, crown dieback, growth reduction or death of the tree. The disease inhibits root function, making detecting signs of damage in the early stages difficult. However, the presence of reddish or honey brown mushrooms at the base of the tree are visible signs of damage. The fungus breaks down the cellulose and lignin in the tree, causing the wood to become spongy, compromising the tree's structural integrity. If you detect any of these signs, it may be time to hire a stump removal service to remove the tree and assess damage to nearby trees.
These opportunistic critters attack trees that are deteriorating or have dead tissue. Females bore into the dead tree tissue in spring and deposit the eggs. The ambrosia fungus grows in the tree's xylem tissue, providing sufficient nutrients for the beetles. Over time, the affected tree declines and dies because there's no treatment. Susceptible trees in Georgia include Crepe Myrtle, Dogwood, Redbud and many more. A certified arborist can recommend the ideal insecticide that repels the beetles from landing on your trees.
If you detect signs of tree damage, contact us at Southern Star Stump and schedule a consultation with our expert representatives. Leverage our experience and expertise to maintain healthy trees throughout the year. In case of irreversible damage, you can rely on us for tree removal and stump grinding services at pocket-friendly rates.
