Oak Tree Diseases and Oak Tree Health Tips
Oak trees are beautiful structures. They are found in numerous locations around the world, including right here in Michigan. There are over 400 different varieties of oaks from the deep, mysterious Black Oak to the majestic Red Oak primarily found in the American Northeast.
Oaks are incredibly durable trees that require well-drained soil. With proper care, they can last for decades with plenty of room for growth. Unfortunately, these glorious trees can come down with diseases, so it is paramount to understand oak tree health if you have one on your property.
Typical Oak Tree Issues
There are numerous oak tree diseases you need to watch out for. Some of the most common you will find include:
- Leaf blister
- Bacterial leaf scorch
- Fungus
- Canker disease
- Root rot
- Powdery mildew
- Anthracnose
Even if your oak tree does not have a disease, it is still possible for it to come down with complications due to an insect infestation. There are plenty of bugs that will set up shop in your tree, and the ones you have to watch out for most include:
- Twig pruners
- Leaf miners
- Lace bugs
- Caterpillars
- Borers
- Aphids
- Scales
- Galls
Any of these complications will weaken the tree and most likely lead to premature death. It is possible to stop the issues, but you need to be aware of the symptoms your tree has a problem. You should pay attention to white coating, wet patches or discolored foliage on your oak tree. Dead branches falling off should be a reason for concern, and you should also pay attention if your tree has a thinning canopy. If you act quickly, by contacting an expert tree care service such as Safari Tree, you can reverse these symptoms and continue enjoying your oak tree for many years to come.
How To Take Care of Your Oak Tree
There are many ways you can maintain your oak trees to keep them in fantastic condition. Having a tree care service fertilize, prune and water your tree on a routine basis is recommended. Through these three actions, your tree will be able to better tolerate stress and better resist insects. If you have just planted a new oak tree on your property, then your tree care service should use a first-class biostimulant fertilizer to aid in its establishment. This special type of fertilizer promotes root growth, so it has better grounding.
Your tree care service will also need to focus on pruning your tree every once in a while. It is vital to remember that pruning is different from cutting. You can still prune a young oak tree to help the branches grow in a healthier manner. As the tree ages, you need to prune it to get rid of any broken or dead branches. It helps promote the structural integrity of the tree. Additionally, if you spot the symptoms of an oak tree disease on just a single branch, then your tree care service can prevent it from spreading any further.
It is recommended your tree care service prunes your tree at least once a year. Even if everything seems all right, it will still help with bud development. You always want to leave the branch collar of the tree in place, which is where new branches begin to emerge. A flush cut will permanently stop a branch from growing back.
Hire Professionals To Keep Your Oak Tree in Great Condition
Naturally, oak tree care and disease prevention require some time and skill, this is where Safari Tree can help. You can contact us online or by phone to get a quote. With Safari Tree’s help, you can be confident your oak tree will remain beautiful and vibrant for many more decades.
