Common Tree
Problems in Toronto
Familiarize yourself with common tree problems so you can easily spot issues and take steps to prevent tree failure.
What Are the Most Common Tree Problems in Toronto & GTA?
It is important to monitor the health of a tree throughout all growing stages. From saplings to mature trees, there are several common issues that trees in Toronto may experience. Familiarizing yourself with these potential problems makes it easier to identify them on your own trees. Early intervention is essential when it comes to the preservation and restoration of healthy trees.
Disease & Pests
There are a wide variety of diseases and pests that can severely affect the health and viability of Toronto trees. Some of the most common ones that Local Arborist deals with are:
Dutch Elm Disease
Beetles carry a fungus between elm trees that causes this disease. Signs of DED include wilting, curling, and yellowing leaves that fall off the tree. It is incredibly devastating if not quickly identified and treated by a qualified arborist.
Anthracnose
The most familiar symptom of anthracnose is dry brown or black spots on the edges of leaves. It is not usually a fatal disease, but trees with compromised health have a higher risk of failure.
Gypsy Moth
A severe gypsy moth infestation only takes 2 years to kill off a tree. The moths lay their eggs in large tan colored, suede-like sacs on the tree. When the larvae hatch, they eat all the new spring leaves.
Emerald Ash Borer
If a tree becomes infested with Emerald Ash Borer, it is almost guaranteed to die. The larvae tunnel under the bark and disrupt the flow of essential nutrients throughout the tree. Your first indication of an infestation may be the leaves thinning out at the top of the tree.
Fire Blight
This disease affects many kinds of trees but tends to be particularly detrimental to fruit trees like apple and pear. A tree suffering from fire blight will look like it has been burned, and the fruit will likely be shrivelled or covered in cankers and lesions. Fire Blight also makes trees more susceptible to other disease, which is why it is important to treat quickly.
Severe Weather Conditions
In Toronto and the GTA, we are no strangers to severe weather conditions. Strong winds, heavy snowfall, ice storms, and flooding call all cause trees to fall or branches to break. Drought conditions can cause browning and compromise the structural integrity of a tree due to the severe lack of water.
(416) 907-2107
info@localarborist.ca
Service Areas