Ontario is a large province, with various tree species across every region. Our province experiences a wide variety of climates, including humid summers, frigid winters, extreme temperatures, and environmental shifts, which means trees in Ontario experience a lot and are susceptible to many diseases.
The most common tree problems in Ontario include:
Dutch Elm Disease
This disease is specific to elm trees and is a fungal disease caused by fungi, which can stop water from flowing correctly in your trees. Your branches may turn yellow and shrivel up, with the tree potentially dying as a result.
Emerald Ash Borer
This is a common infestation that can attack several different types of trees, including ash trees. It will chow down on the inner bark, and a tree will not have access to a supported flow of water and nutrients, typically dying within three years. This outbreak is more likely to occur if your tree has cracked bark, tiny holes, or lost density.
Beech Bark Disease
Beech trees can sometimes face this disease caused by fungi that invade and eventually kill the tree’s bark. The tree’s scales will be discoloured; many will disappear, and you may even see a slime-like substance coming out of the bark.
Asian Long-Horn Beetle
This problem is common in Southwestern Ontario, and this type of beetle will cause fungal growth in trees—which can kill them fast. If you notice a hole at least 20 mm in diameter in your tree, it may indicate that you are dealing with this kind of beetle or its larvae.
European Gypsy Moth
This type of moth is a serious problem because its larva stage will munch off leaves from oak, elm, birch, willow, and fruit trees. Moth bites increase the risk of developing other diseases or attracting more pests.
Tar Spot
This disease can cause visible damage to the leaves of the tree and will make it look very unattractive. A fungus causes a tar spot, and you will notice visible dark spots on the trunk.
Magnolia Scale
These insects live off tree sap, taking away so much that entire branches will die. You will notice weak branches and sticky honeydew when this pest is around.
Tent Caterpillars
These caterpillars will gather and reproduce quickly and form small tents by bunching up. These tents must be eliminated fast for your tree’s health; otherwise, they can multiply and destroy trees rapidly. You’ll notice bark start to slip off once you see these tents pop up.
Conclusion
Diseased trees will need to be removed in most cases. By the time a disease or infestation becomes noticeable, the likelihood of being able to restore your tree will be quite low. The best way to proceed is to cut down the tree and remove its remaining parts, which will help eliminate the risk of spreading the disease and protect the surrounding trees. From here, new growth can begin.
Do you have a tree that looks diseased? Four Seasons Tree Services will take care of the problem. We offer tree removal services and will help you protect your trees from diseases and pests.
Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can help protect the health of your other trees.