The trees on your property are an important part of your landscape, hence they need protection against pests and diseases. Unfortunately, the warm climate of Alvin, TX provides an ideal habitat for the breeding of disease-causing insects that could damage your trees.
Learning to identify these pathogens is imperative, as it can help you prevent an outbreak that could seriously damage or even kill your greenery. In the spirit of helping you maintain a healthy landscape, we have rounded up some of the most common Alvin tree pests and diseases, the trees they attack, and exactly what to look out for.
3 Deadliest Alvin Tree Pests And Diseases And How To Prevent Them
1. Emerald Ash Borer
The Emerald Ash Borer is a highly vicious pest that attacks the ash, one of the most popular shade trees in Texas. If not spotted and treated early, the affected trees will generally die within 2 to 4 years.
The insect feeds and breeds under the bark of the tree, creating S-shaped marks that can only be seen if you peel off the bark. It is this constant feeding that eventually causes death to the tree. The inner bark is responsible for transporting water and nutrients and when the insects feed on it, they disrupt the transportation process, which slowly starves the tree until it dies.
Regularly inspect your ash trees for the Emerald Ash Borers. If you suspect your trees may be infested, contact a tree service Alvin professional right away. If it is not too late, they can save the tree by safely injecting insecticides. If the tree cannot be saved, they will advise you to cut it down before it becomes a safety hazard.
2. Oak Wilt
Oak wilt makes it to our list of the worst Alvin tree diseases as a killer of oaks. It kills thousands of oaks each year in woodlots, forests, and home landscapes, which makes it one of the most serious tree diseases in Texas.
The disease is caused by a fungus that is spread by boring insects or through root grafts. The fungus thrives in the tissues that transport nutrients to the vital parts of the tree, hindering the transportation of these nutrients.
Black and red oaks are considered highly vulnerable to the disease and may die within just a few weeks of initial infection. White oaks are more resistant and may not show any signs at all if attacked. However, they also eventually succumb to the ailment but may live with it for up to 7 years.
The symptoms of oak wilt are yellowing or browning of the foliage, which is then accompanied by shedding of foliage and branch dieback. If you spot these symptoms, get in touch with a professional tree service Texas company, and fast.
3. Powdery Mildew
As the name implies, the powdery mildew disease appears as white powdery splotches on the surface of the leaves. It affects almost all tree species but the most susceptible are the basswood, maple, lilac, dogwood, oaks, and magnolia. Fortunately, unlike most Alvin tree diseases, this one rarely kills a tree.
Powdery mildew is a popular tree fungus in Texas, and even though it is not a tree killer, it could disfigure specimens especially during the most humid times of the year. You may not need to treat the fungus at all for it to retreat but you could take certain measures to prevent it from becoming prevalent.
For instance, avoid planting trees in areas that are heavily shaded or close to each other. And prune regularly to improve air circulation and light penetration.
The Local Tree Experts Overview
Most Alvin tree pests and diseases can be managed if identified soon enough. That’s why it is important to have a maintenance program that allows you to regularly examine your trees for any abnormal changes. If you suspect your trees have any of the diseases we have discussed above, please give us a call.
