What are some signs your ash tree has a disease? Because there are so many different variables to consider, it can be challenging to land on a definitive answer to that question. But with the help of this quick guide, you can learn some of the primary warning signs of disease in ash trees.
Examine the Tree’s Canopy and Crown
One of the first indicators that an ash tree is diseased is the thinning of its top canopy. The canopy makes up the upper branches and leaves of a tree, and if you start to notice that the leaves in that area have thinned out significantly, your ash tree is more than likely ill.
Similarly, the crown of the tree (the very top) might show symptoms of dieback. Dieback is essentially the death of twigs and shoots, starting at the very tip of the tree and moving downward as the illness progresses. So if you notice the upper parts of your tree are thinning and dying out, this is usually a sign that your ash tree is on its last legs.
Look For Epicormic Sprouting
When a tree is in distress, it goes into survival mode and starts trying to facilitate new growth anywhere it can. This process is called epicormic sprouting. Trees that are stressed and sick will often sprout new branches and leaves around the roots, trunk, and other odd places.
If you notice that your ash tree has started growing branches in strange areas, be aware that this does not indicate good health. Most times, epicormic sprouting is a tree’s last-ditch effort to survive before it dies, so if you notice this kind of sprouting, it might be time to call your local Austin tree removal services.
Pay Attention to Leaf Color
Another way that ash trees reveal disease is through leaf color. If you notice that your tree is boasting fall colors in July, it could be dying. Just the same, other types of disease can affect the coloring in the veins of a leaf. For instance, a condition called anthracnose causes the veins on ash leaves to turn purplish-brown. Leaf color indicates all sorts of illnesses in ash trees, so if you find any discoloring the leaves, the tree is probably distressed or dying.
Ash trees are a beautiful, natural addition to any environment, so it’s essential to understand when they need your help to fight off diseases that might be causing issues. Hopefully, this quick guide has walked you through the basics of that nagging question, “What are some ways to know when your ash tree has a disease?”