Tree Diseases Explained

Just like every living thing on this planet, trees are also, unfortunately, susceptible to disease. A tree that lacks either light, water, nutrients or carbon dioxide will struggle to stay healthy and thus be under stress, making it weak and open to contracting diseases. Environmental factors can play a big part in a tree’s health, which means particular seasons can increase the risk of them catching certain types of disease. 

This month, Artemis Tree Services will be covering what to look out for when diagnosing a tree disease.

Anthracnose tree disease as seen on the leaf
(Anthracnose disease)

Common Tree Diseases

Acute Oak Decline. This disease has affected thousands of oak trees in Britain. It became present in trees situated in drought-prone locations, where the pollution levels were high. Symptoms of AOD include black fluid oozing from the tree trunk where there’s missing bark or minor damage. 

Anthracnose. This disease typically targets ash trees, oak trees, maple trees, sycamore trees and other similar types of tree. To identify if your tree has Anthracnose, look for burnt-looking leaves or retreating branches if the tree is extremely weak.

Dothistroma Needle Blight. This fungus usually rears its ugly head in June/July time and changes the colour of the needles of a tree from green to yellow, and later on down the line, red. The affected needles will then begin to shed early.

Phytophthora Lateralis. First identified in 2010, UK, this disease causes tongue-shaped breakages in the bark and bleeding on the outside of the bark, which indicates more lesions underneath. Another sign to look for is red/brown leaves.

Phytophthora Austrocedri. This is a pathogen that discolours and kills off the foliage. Look out for cinnamon-brown coloured wounds on the branches or under the bark of juniper trees.  

Rust. This fungal disease affects the leaves of poplar trees, oak trees, ash trees, birch trees, maple trees and plum trees. To identify the fungal disease, you’ll spot small orange lumps that are full of powdery spores present on the leaves. You’re likely to spot this during the summer months, around August time.

Sirococcus Tsugae. Affects trees including atlas cedar, deodar cedar, cedar of Lebanon, western hemlock, eastern hemlock and mountain hemlock, across the UK. The symptoms include the changing of needle colour from green to brown or pink, fungus on needles and dying seedlings. 

Sweet Chestnut Blight. This fungus enters a tree’s wounds and fissures, and its symptoms include cracks in the bark, stem girdling, wilted brown leaves and orange growths on the bark.


How to tell your tree is in poor health – signs to look out for 

  • Bark abnormalities – visibly deep cracks or holes can be a sign of disease
  • Decay – mushrooms or fungus growing on trees can be a sign of disease
  • Dead branches easily broken and dry branches can be a sign of disease
  • Unusual leaf discolourationleaves changing colour before autumn can be a sign of disease
  • Growing at an anglea lopsided tree can be a sign of disease or damage

 


If you spot any obvious tree defects, call a local professional who will be able to assist you. Artemis Tree Services serve customers throughout the Hertfordshire areas, providing a reliable and professional service, whatever job we take on. To arrange a free site visit from our tree surgeons, simply contact our friendly team to discuss your project further.

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Anonymous

Artemis removed a tree and neatened a hedge. The work was very neat. In all my dealings with Artemis, they have always been very reliable and trustworthy, and I have recommended them to a neighbour.... Artemis removed a tree and neatened a hedge. The work was very neat. In all my dealings with Artemis, they have always been very reliable and trustworthy, and I have recommended them to a neighbour.

6 days ago

Vicki

Very professional, efficient and friendly service. The team did an excellent job of taking down an old tree, planting a new one and pruning three others. Everything was left very tidy.... Very professional, efficient and friendly service. The team did an excellent job of taking down an old tree, planting a new one and pruning three others. Everything was left very tidy.

2 weeks ago

Jill Lesley Sloley

The tree work was carried out by friendly operatives who arrived on time and worked efficiently and well. They took away all the debris and left me with a tidy garden. The office people I have spok... The tree work was carried out by friendly operatives who arrived on time and worked efficiently and well. They took away all the debris and left me with a tidy garden. The office people I have spoken to have also been friendly, helpful and efficient.

3 weeks ago

Maggie

This is the first occasion using Artemis and we found the service from start to finish prompt, professional and friendly. The interaction prior to the commencement of the work was really efficient, a... This is the first occasion using Artemis and we found the service from start to finish prompt, professional and friendly. The interaction prior to the commencement of the work was really efficient, and the team on the day were great and the work completed was to an exceptional standard, as was the clear up afterwards. A big thanks to Loise, Lewis, Mo and Marchin for your hard work on the day, and to Scott too who did the initial quotation. Well done boys and we are so pleased with the end result!

1 month ago

Anonymous

Survey completed quickly after our enquiry and clear and concise quote provided within a day. Great booking and pre-visit communication. The chaps that did the work were courteous and professional - k... Survey completed quickly after our enquiry and clear and concise quote provided within a day. Great booking and pre-visit communication. The chaps that did the work were courteous and professional - knew what they were doing and clearly communicated how the job was going and answered any questions we had during the work. They took their time to do the job well. Site left tidy with trees pruned and shaped as agreed. Artemis are expert and professional.

1 month ago

steve lynch

Artemis have undertaken two pieces of tree work for us in the last few weeks and on both occasions they did an absolutely great job. excellent value for money, I would thoroughly recommend them!... Artemis have undertaken two pieces of tree work for us in the last few weeks and on both occasions they did an absolutely great job. excellent value for money, I would thoroughly recommend them!

2 months ago

Anonymous

I would recommend this company to anyone. They were amazing from start to finish. They cleaned all the mess and took it away with them. Very happy, thank you again... I would recommend this company to anyone. They were amazing from start to finish. They cleaned all the mess and took it away with them. Very happy, thank you again

3 months ago

Ken And Joan Richardson

As usual our Magnolia tree was cut to perfection .The teamleft our property clean and tidy ,We have used Artemis tree Services for about 15 years and would not want to have anyone else to do the work ... As usual our Magnolia tree was cut to perfection .The teamleft our property clean and tidy ,We have used Artemis tree Services for about 15 years and would not want to have anyone else to do the work A big Thank you to the team ,

3 months ago

Michael Quy

A prompt professional team. I have used Artemis before and recommend them highly....

3 months ago

Gordon Trievnor

Another first class job completed by this exceptional Contractor. From initial site inspection to quotation and actual works, plus an amazing clear up after, it is always a real pleasure to use Arte... Another first class job completed by this exceptional Contractor. From initial site inspection to quotation and actual works, plus an amazing clear up after, it is always a real pleasure to use Artemis. Highly recommended.

4 months ago

Keith

Very efficient customer service. Did the job when they said they would. Met all our expectations. Would recommend....

4 months ago

Francis Xavier Emmanuel

This was the third occasion that we used the services of Artemis Tree Services. We were completely satisfied with their service at every stage of their work. Perhaps what pleased us most was to see th... This was the third occasion that we used the services of Artemis Tree Services. We were completely satisfied with their service at every stage of their work. Perhaps what pleased us most was to see the two young lads genuinely enjoying their work! 57 Bow Lane, Finchley, N12 0JL.

5 months ago

Enthusiastic of Eastcote

My wife and I were pleased to welcome Charlie and Ben, to tackle our overgrown Laurel. They telephoned ahead to advise their time of arrival and, once on site, got down to work in a professional and i... My wife and I were pleased to welcome Charlie and Ben, to tackle our overgrown Laurel. They telephoned ahead to advise their time of arrival and, once on site, got down to work in a professional and industrious manner. These young men were friendly and helpful, completing the job to our exact requirements, and tidying up thoroughly afterwards. In addition, they approached their work in full compliance with health and safety regulations. All in all, they were splendid ambassadors for their company!

6 months ago

Mrs S. Beattie

This is the 3rd time I have used this Company. All the staff are professional, friendly and helpful offering high quality service from the moment you contact them to completion of the job and the pri... This is the 3rd time I have used this Company. All the staff are professional, friendly and helpful offering high quality service from the moment you contact them to completion of the job and the price is fair. I wouldn't use anyone else.

6 months ago

Anonymous

We have used Artemis for tree and hedge works several times and would thoroughly recommend them. They give an all round professional service; communication is great, quotes detailed and work fairly pr... We have used Artemis for tree and hedge works several times and would thoroughly recommend them. They give an all round professional service; communication is great, quotes detailed and work fairly priced. If you are looking for trustworthy and reliable tree services look no further!

6 months ago

Derek Welch, Chalfont St Peter

Very professional, work hard, friendly and cooperative. Very highly recommended - they know what they are doing!...

6 months ago

Peter

Always friendly helpful staff, very knowledgable, prune/trim trees very well leaving a good shape and tidy up afterwards....

7 months ago

M Pearce

Polite, efficient, helpful - highly reccomended...

8 months ago

Brian (Pinner)

Artemis recently did some work for us and we were very impressed both with the quality of the work and the communication and value for money. I would recommend them.... Artemis recently did some work for us and we were very impressed both with the quality of the work and the communication and value for money. I would recommend them.

8 months ago

Michelle Hyer

Excellent service, tidy, efficient, on-time and someone at the end of the phone for queries! I would highly recemmend x...

9 months ago

Barbara M Grant, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire

Artemis Tree Services Limited is a professional tree surgeon and is highly recommended. The marketplace is peppered with charlatans purporting to be qualified in this specialist area but Artemis con... Artemis Tree Services Limited is a professional tree surgeon and is highly recommended. The marketplace is peppered with charlatans purporting to be qualified in this specialist area but Artemis continues to uphold and deliver the professional status of this important skill. They offer a a high quality service from the very first contact through to delivery of a clean and crafted conclusion. I have no hesitation in recommending their outstanding service. Many thanks to all involved.

9 months ago