How To Spot The Most Common Tree Diseases Devon
Devon is a beautiful part of the world. With a mild, damp climate and mixed woodland, this is an ideal region for trees to sprout and grow beautifully. We are lucky to have a wealth of tree species growing in our region, along with culturally significant trees and ancient trunks that enhance our local culture.
However, our mild climate is also ripe for tree diseases. Any landscape with trees is under threat and requires ongoing monitoring to prevent the growth, spread, and eventual fatality of the most common tree diseases.
As leading tree surgeons, Kneebone Trees understands the significant risk our trees are under from these diseases and are frequently called to treat or remove damaged trees in the region.
To help our landscapes thrive, we are sharing the most common tree diseases in Devon in this post. We will explore how you can spot them, so you can treat your trees early and ensure healthier futures for our woodlands.
The Spread Of Tree Diseases: Why Trees in the South West Are Vulnerable to Disease
Before we can explore the most common tree diseases Devon and how they manifest, we first need to understand why they are such a threat in the first place. While it is true that all trees are vulnerable to a certain extent to diseases, pests, and fungi, trees in Devon face particular risks due to the climate of the South West.
In the South West, we experience high rainfall and humidity throughout the seasons, in particular during the milder months of the year. While this can make Devon a fertile landscape for trees, plants, and flowers, it does pose a significant risk to our trees because these mild, damp conditions encourage fungal infections.
Likewise, our mild winters may be enjoyable for the people of the region, but they can lead to lasting issues with our trees and landscapes because they allow pests and pathogens to survive year-round. Instead of being frozen out in the winter, which can happen in other regions of the UK, pests can survive our mild conditions across Devon, where they can lead to tree diseases.
While the climate can take a lot of the blame for common tree diseases Devon, human activity also plays its role. Common industries in this part of the country, such as the transportation of firewood, soil, and machinery, can also lead to the spread of common tree diseases. Infections, pathogens and fungi from across the country are spread around through human activity and transportation, making our native species more exposed than ever.
Luckily, there are now treatment options and professional support available from arborists like our team that can manage this spread of diseases and fight common tree diseases Devon despite the local conditions that help them thrive.
Common Tree Diseases Devon and How to Identify Them
As we have explained, Devon is fertile ground for trees and their diseases. There are several common tree diseases Devon that your landscape is exposed to, and recognising the signs leads to early intervention and better treatment success.
Some of the most common tree diseases Devon to keep your eyes out for include:
Ash Dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus)
As the name suggests, this common tree disease impacts Ash trees and is widespread across Devon. This is a very damaging tree disease that weakens Ash trees until the branches fail, leading to collapse or dead branches.
Dead or damaged branches are a significant threat, especially in established trees, because they can fall at any moment. With a gust of wind or rain, they can collapse, leading to property or landscape damage. They can also cause injury if in a public space.
To learn more about the signs of dangerous trees, see our post Is My Tree Safe? 5 Signs of a Dangerous Tree in Your Garden.
Ash dieback is a significant threat to homeowners across the region because of the way it leads to the failure of the tree’s branches and overall structure. As with many of these common tree diseases, Devon, early intervention is vital to ensure the safety and health of your Ash trees long term.
Recognising the signs of Ash dieback can lead to successful treatment. Without proper intervention or if the disease has spread too far, the whole tree may need to be removed.
Key Symptoms To Look Out For:
- Blackened or wilting leaves on Ash trees in summer
- Diamond-shaped lesions on bark
- Dieback at the crown, which looks like the top of the tree is thinning
Dutch Elm Disease
This is one of the most common tree diseases Devon that affects Elm trees across the region. While a lot of Dutch Elm disease has been managed, it is still present in certain areas across the South West and therefore can spread to other Elm trees in the surrounding areas.
If Dutch Elm disease is present in your specific area of Devon, in surrounding landscapes and woodlands, then it is likely that Elm trees will need to be removed to prevent further spreading. This is a rapidly spreading disease that requires immediate attention when symptoms are noticed.
Tree removal and any subsequent stump grinding should be done by professional tree surgeons to ensure safe and efficient removals. If you are dealing with Dutch Elm disease or any other common tree diseases Devon, you will need to hire tree surgeons to deal with it.
To learn more about this, see our post How Much Does Tree Surgery Cost In Devon? Everything You Need To Know.
Key Symptoms To Look Out For:
- Yellowing and curling leaves on Elm trees
- Sudden wilting of branches
- Brown streaks under the bark across the trunk and branches
Oak Decline
Oak trees are one of the most common sights in Devon, and the wider UK, as these are native trees. While they are a beautiful, common sight, they are also under constant threat from decline. Due to how common these trees are, oak decline is one of the most common tree diseases Devon that can easily spread through woodlands and landscapes.
We are seeing increasing reports of these common tree diseases Devon and the UK as a whole, meaning you need to pay particular attention to the signs of Oak decline to keep your garden, landscapes, and local woodlands safe.
As with all common tree diseases Devon, early intervention is vital for the wider health and safety of oak trees. Regular tree surveys and assessments can be used to spot early signs of the disease, and a professional may be able to intervene immediately.
Working with professional arborists, like our team, is the best way to protect your Oak trees, as they can assess whether treatment or monitoring is possible.
Key Symptoms To Look Out For:
- Sparse or discoloured leaves across Oak trees
- Cracks or oozing fluid on the trunk
- Fungal growth at the base of the trunk, near the roots
Powdery Mildew
This common tree disease affects many species that are present across Devon, and is therefore a serious threat to our landscapes and woodlands. Maple, oak and fruit trees are under threat from these common tree diseases Devon, which is why it is so far-reaching.
However, despite the fact that this is a common tree disease, it is often misunderstood and therefore not treated correctly. Mild cases of powdery mildew can resolve themselves naturally, and do not necessarily have to lead to drastic cutting or removal of the tree. Early identification is required for this, and should be done by a professional tree surgeon.
These common tree diseases Devon become a bigger concern when they are consistent. If you notice the symptoms on your trees frequently throughout the year, then you will need to work with a tree surgeon to remedy the situation.
To learn more about how tree surgeons can help and what they do, see our post What Does a Tree Surgeon Do, and When Should You Hire One?
Key Symptoms To Look Out For:
- White or grey powdery coating on leaves
- Distorted or stunted growth of the tree
- Leaves dropping early
Honey Fungus
Like powdery mildew, this common tree disease affects multiple trees and shrubs across Devon and is therefore a major threat to your landscape. This is one of the most destructive fungal diseases in the UK that needs to be managed by a professional.
If Honey Fungus is not addressed early, it can lead to the death of a tree, which will require a complete removal. Recognising the signs of these common tree diseases Devon is vital for the safety, health, and overall appearance of landscapes and woodlands in the region.
Key Symptoms To Look Out For:
- Clusters of honey-coloured mushrooms at the base
- White fungal sheets under bark
- Sudden decline or death of the tree
Warning Signs Of Common Tree Diseases Devon You Should Never Ignore
While there are specific symptoms of these common tree diseases Devon to look out for, other issues may not be as easy to identify. Some of these symptoms are shared by diseases or infections, and often indicate internal decay of the tree.
Failure to treat or manage these symptoms can lead to a complete collapse or death of the tree:
- Fungi growing at the base or on the trunk
- Large dead branches that appear suddenly
- Cracks, splits, or oozing sap on the trunk
- Trees leaning or becoming unstable
Conclusion
Recognising the signs of the most common tree diseases Devon is vital for your own landscape, as well as the wider woodland and natural spaces. These common tree diseases Devon, from powdery mildew to Ash dieback, do not have to be a death sentence for your trees if the proper intervention is performed.
Working with professionals like Kneebone Trees ensures the ongoing health and safety of your trees. We offer tree surveys and assessments, and provide a site visit for all projects to identify the issues you are dealing with and plan the best course of action.
By recognising the signs of common tree diseases early, you can help maintain the health and beauty of our amazing region.
Contact Us Today
To learn more about our services or to request a site visit, please contact the team today.
FAQs
What is the most common tree disease in Devon?
Ash dieback is currently one of the most widespread and damaging diseases affecting trees across Devon and the South West. This affects Ash trees and causes blackened or wilting leaves, lesions on the trunk, and thinning of the canopy.
Can tree diseases be treated, or do trees always need to be removed?
Some diseases can be managed or slowed if caught early. Removal is usually a last resort when safety is at risk, and should always be done by a professional. If you notice the signs of a tree disease, call an arborist who can determine the best course of action.
When should I contact an arborist about a diseased tree?
If you notice fungi, rapid leaf loss, dead branches, or changes to the trunk, it’s best to seek professional advice as soon as possible, as these can result in fatality without proper intervention.
