(817) 975 0180
If you’ve lived in Fort Worth long enough, you know how important trees are to our homes, parks, and neighborhoods. They offer shade in the sweltering summer, boost curb appeal, and add a little peace and beauty to everyday life. But just like people, trees can get sick, and when they do, you need to act fast.
Whether it’s funky-looking leaves, peeling bark, or something that seems “off,” tree diseases can sneak up on even the healthiest-looking oaks, elms, and maples. In this post, we’ll help you spot the early signs of common tree diseases in Fort Worth and share what you can do to treat (and hopefully save) your trees.
Let’s dive in.
5 Most Common Tree Diseases in Fort Worth
Fort Worth’s climate is a mixed bag, with hot summers, mild winters, and periods of heavy rain followed by dry spells. That makes it a prime spot for certain fungi, bacteria, and insects that can harm your trees.
On top of that, urban development and soil compaction stress your trees, weakening their natural defenses. This increases the risk of tree diseases, and ignoring them can lead to safety hazards (falling limbs or full tree collapse), the spread of disease to nearby trees, and tree removals.
That’s why you should know how to recognize the most common tree diseases.
1. Oak Wilt
What to Look for: Oak Wilt is one of the most destructive tree diseases in Texas, and Fort Worth is no exception. It primarily affects red oaks and live oaks.
You should look for:
- Wilting or browning leaves starting at the top of the tree.
- A sudden, rapid decline (sometimes within weeks).
- “Veinal necrosis,” where the leaf veins turn brown, but the rest of the leaf is still green.
- Fungal mats (dark, spore-producing patches) under the bark.
How to Treat It: Oak Wilt spreads fast and can kill a tree in a matter of months. If you suspect it, call a certified arborist immediately. Trenching around trees can stop underground root connections from transferring the disease. But sometimes, infected trees need to be removed to prevent spread.
Pro tip: Avoid pruning oaks from February through June, when beetles that spread Oak Wilt are most active.
2. Hypoxylon Canker
What to Look for: Hypoxylon canker is a fungal disease and often shows up in trees already stressed by drought, construction, or compacted soil, which are common issues in urban Fort Worth.
Watch out for signs like:
- Leaves turn yellow or brown and drop early.
- The bark peels away to reveal silvery or brown patches underneath.
- Large dead sections in the canopy.
- Wood becomes soft and brittle.
How to Treat It: Unfortunately, there’s no cure for Hypoxylon Canker. Prevention is the only measure. Keep your trees healthy, watered, and stress-free. If your tree is infected, removal may be the safest option, especially if it’s near a home or high-traffic area.
3. Bacterial Leaf Scorch
What to Look for: This disease affects oaks, elms, and sycamores, which are favorites in Fort Worth landscaping.
As the disease sets in:
- Leaves develop brown edges or tips, especially in late summer.
- Symptoms worsen year after year.
- Trees may appear okay in spring but decline as the season progresses.
How to Treat It: There’s no “fix,” but skilled arborists can help manage symptoms and prolong the tree’s life. This may include regular watering and mulching, antibiotic trunk injections, and pruning infected limbs to reduce bacterial load.
4. Anthracnose
What to Look for: This fungal disease is super common during wet springs, and its signs typically include:
- Irregular brown spots or blotches on leaves.
- Twisted, curled, or dropping leaves.
- Dead twigs, especially on sycamores and oaks.
How to Treat It: Anthracnose is usually not fatal, but it can stress your tree over time.
- Rake and dispose of fallen leaves.
- Prune out infected branches.
- Improve air circulation through strategic pruning.
- Consider applying a fungicide in early spring (before leaves emerge).
5. Root Rot (Phytophthora)
What to Look for: If your tree seems to be dying from the ground up, it could be root rot.
Look out for these symptoms:
- Yellowing or wilting leaves.
- Mushy, discolored roots.
- The tree leans or becomes unstable.
- Foul odor near the base.
How to Treat It: This disease is tough to beat once it sets in, but early intervention helps. You should consult a professional arborist for root rot treatment as soon as possible.
The treatment often includes improving drainage around the base of the tree, avoiding overwatering, and using fungicides in the early stages. However, if your tree is too far gone, you should have it removed professionally.
Keep Your Fort Worth Trees Healthy Year-Round
You can’t always prevent disease, but keeping your trees in top shape makes them more resistant to infection. Here’s how to do that:
- Mulch Smart: Apply mulch around the base (not touching the trunk) to retain moisture and reduce stress.
- Water Wisely: During dry spells, deep water your trees once or twice a week. Avoid shallow, daily watering.
- Prune Properly: Always use clean tools and avoid heavy pruning during peak infection seasons (spring and summer).
- Schedule Annual Checkups: Sign up for professional annual tree maintenance, which includes inspections. A certified arborist can spot problems early and create a care plan before things get out of hand.
- Watch the Weather: After big storms or droughts, inspect trees for changes—they’re most vulnerable after extreme weather.
When to Call in a Professional
DIY tree care is great, but it can go only so far. Besides, identifying even the most common tree diseases is tricky. Some signs look the same but need different treatments. You can waste money and time trying to fix it yourself. Worse still, you might spread the disease to other healthy trees without knowing.
If you notice a rapid decline, large dead branches, Fungal growths on bark, Structural instability, and Pests like borers or beetles, call pros like Fort Worth Arborist Co. immediately. Our team has the experience, tools, and training to diagnose and treat your trees safely and effectively.
Need help with a sick tree? Let’s Talk!
Healthy trees add value to your home, give shade, and make your yard look great. Diseases are common, but most are treatable if caught early. You must stay alert, take preventative steps, and call an expert if you see trouble.
If you want a professional to take a look or have questions about your trees, give us a call. We’ll check your tree, explain what’s wrong, and fix it.
Call us at 817-975-0180 or book your inspection online now.