Is there something beyond the typical pest killing our trees?

We fear the infestations of ants, beetles, and bees, but we often forget about bacterial infections threatening the lives of forests. If you have trees in your yard, it’s important to prevent a disease from damaging your tall, leafy pals. 

Be diligent in the care routine of your trees. Keep a close eye on their health, and guarantee they’re receiving clean water and nutrients. 

Do you have a suspicion your trees are suffering from disease? It could be bacterial leaf scorch. Learn more about this disease below. 

The Threat of a Bacterial Leaf Scorch

Bacterial leaf scorch disease occurs when Xylella fastidiosa infects the xylem of a tree. The xylems are water and nutrient tissues that help a tree receive its food!

The bacterium is often spread by treehoppers, spittlebugs, and leafhoppers. This is because these pests feast upon the xylem of a tree.

Where Can I Find the Threat?

Species of trees often affected by this scorching include bur, pin, red, and white oaks. You can also find it in elm, mulberry, sugar maple, and red maple trees. 

You’ll typically notice the threat spreading throughout mid-summer.

Symptoms of the Threat

The most noticeable symptom of this disease is premature browning of the leaves, occurring in mid-summer. It looks as if your trees are experiencing fall before the rest of the world. 

Dead leaves will fall, and the disease will slowly spread throughout the tree for the next 2-8 years. Eventually, the entire tree will die. 

What to Do When a Threat Has Been Detected

Bacterial leaf scorch is commonly mistaken as oak wilt. But no matter the case, it’s important to invest in the health of your trees and bacterial scorch leaf prevention plans. 

Remove all infected branches from your yard. This will help slow the spread. If you’re able to remove entire infected trees, and burn them in a controlled fire.

Because there is no cure for the disease, it’s crucial to protect your healthy trees. Do your research on proper tree care, and call a trusted pest control company to discuss the best bacterial leaf scorch control measures you can take. 

Keep Your Trees Healthy and Happy: Preventing Bacterial Leaf Scorch

Bacterial leaf scorch is nothing to mess with! This disease is fatal to trees, and there’s no cure currently available. Make sure to keep this guide by your side, especially if you have oak trees in your backyard. 

Keep your eyes peeled for leaves turning brown a tad too early. Inspect the health of your tree’s branches. Call an arborist and a local pest control company immediately if you notice any concerning symptoms. 

Are you located within the Southern Maryland and Northern Virginia region? You can trust Planet Friendly Pest Control for all of your pest control needs. Check out how we can give you a bug-free home today.