Plant Healthcare

What is Heterobasidion root disease (HRD)

What is Heterobasidion root disease (HRD) What is Heterobasidion root disease (HRD), a fungal disease that affects conifers, is present in approximately 30 Wisconsin counties and most commonly impacts red and white pine plantations. The fungus, Heterobasidion occidentale, can live in dead tree stumps and spreads to other hosts through root grafts. Symptoms include a quick decline in health, discolored leaves, branch dieback, and mushroom growth on the trunk or roots. Cause: A native soil-borne fungus called Heterobasidion occidentale. Hosts: Primarily affects red and white pine in Wisconsin, but […]

What is Verticillium Wilt

What is Verticillium Wilt? What is Verticillium Wilt? Its’ a fungal disease that affects a wide variety of plants, including trees, shrubs, vegetables, and flowers. This disease poses a significant threat to plant health because it can infect many different species. It is caused by two soilborne fungi: Verticillium albo-atrum and Verticillium dahliae. These pathogens reside in the soil and attack susceptible plants, resulting in symptoms commonly associated with wilt and plant decline. Symptoms The symptoms vary depending on the plant species and the severity of the infection. Some of […]

Wood Decay in Trees

Wood Decay in Trees Wood decay in trees is a process caused by fungi and bacteria that break down wood, leading to reduced structural integrity and potential failure. Key types of decay include white rot, which makes wood soft and spongy, and brown rot, which causes brittle, crumbly wood. Decay typically starts at entry points like wounds from construction, logging, or lawn equipment. Types of wood decay White Rot: This decay is caused by fungi that break down both cellulose and lignin, leaving behind a soft, stringy, or […]

What Causes Rows of Holes in Trees

What Causes Rows of Holes in Trees What Causes Rows of Holes in Trees? If you’ve noticed neat rows of small holes running up and down your tree trunk, you’re not alone. This pattern is most commonly caused by the Yellow-bellied sapsucker, a type of woodpecker found throughout Wisconsin and the Coulee Region. Sapsuckers drill evenly spaced holes in horizontal or vertical lines to access the tree’s sap. They return to these same rows repeatedly, feeding on both the sap and the insects it attracts. While the pattern can look […]

Caring for Mature Trees

Caring for Mature Trees Caring for Mature Trees. Mature trees are valuable assets to any property—providing shade, beauty, and environmental benefits. Unlike young trees, they require a more thoughtful approach to care, focusing on preservation rather than rapid growth. Start with regular inspections. Look for dead or hanging branches, cracks in the trunk, fungal growth, or thinning canopy. These can be early signs of stress, disease, or structural concerns. Catching issues early allows for safer and more effective treatment. Pruning is one of the most important maintenance practices. Mature trees […]

Signs of a Stressed Tree

Signs of a Stressed Tree Signs of a Stressed Tree include premature leaf drop, yellowing or browning leaves, a sparse canopy, and early fall colors. Other indicators are wilting, leaf scorch, bark problems like splitting or flaking, reduced growth, and unusual amounts of seed or cone production. Wisconsin’s weather, from heat waves to droughts, can cause many of these issues, making trees vulnerable to pests and diseases. Leaf and canopy symptoms Premature leaf drop: Leaves fall off the tree sooner than they should. Wilting or browning leaves: Leaves […]

What’s Killing My Hackberry Tree?

What’s Killing My Hackberry Tree? What’s Killing My Hackberry Tree? Hackberry trees are tough and adaptable, but they are not immune to problems. If your hackberry is declining, the cause could be insects, disease, weather stress, or root damage. One common issue is hackberry nipple gall or witches’ broom, which can make the tree look unhealthy. These problems often look alarming, but they usually do not kill the tree on their own. More serious concerns include root injury, soil compaction, construction damage, and long periods of drought or excessive moisture. […]

Not Your Average Mistletoe

Not Your Average Mistletoe Not Your Average Mistletoe. Eastern dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium pusillum) is a small but highly destructive parasitic plant that primarily affects spruce trees across northern regions, including parts of Wisconsin. Despite its tiny size, this plant can have a major impact on tree health, often going unnoticed until significant damage has already occurred. Unlike traditional plants, Eastern dwarf mistletoe attaches itself directly to its host tree and draws water and nutrients from it. Over time, this weakens the tree, slowing growth and making it more vulnerable to […]

Mild Winters and Tree Health

Mild Winters and Tree Health Mild Winters and Tree Health. Milder winters across Wisconsin are becoming more common, and while they may feel like a relief compared to harsh cold snaps, they can have unexpected effects on your trees. Winter plays an important role in a tree’s natural cycle, helping regulate growth, control pests, and prepare trees for the next growing season. One of the biggest impacts of a mild winter is reduced dormancy. Trees rely on consistent cold temperatures to fully “rest.” When winters are warmer, trees may not […]

Cedar-Apple Rust

Cedar-Apple Rust Cedar-Apple Rust is a fungal disease caused by Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae that requires two hosts to complete its life cycle: juniper species (like eastern redcedar) and apple/crabapple trees. It appears as brown, kidney-shaped galls on cedars that develop bright orange, jelly-like horns in wet spring weather, releasing spores that infect apple trees, causing yellow spots on leaves and fruit. While it’s not very harmful to junipers, it can cause significant damage to apples, leading to premature defoliation and poor fruit quality. Life Cycle of the Fungus On […]

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