A Property Owner's Guide to Common Tree Diseases in Florida

As a property owner in Florida, you know that the lush, beautiful trees on your land are a significant asset. They provide shade, boost your curb appeal, and contribute to the local ecosystem. However, Florida's warm, humid climate can also be a breeding ground for various tree diseases. Spotting these issues early is crucial to protecting your trees' health. At AAA Best Tree Service, we have decades of combined experience caring for trees in Santa Rosa, Escambia, and Okaloosa counties, and we're here to help you identify and address common problems.



Identifying Common Tree Diseases in Florida

Knowing what to look for is the first step in effective tree care. Some diseases can weaken a tree's structure, making it a hazard, while others can affect its appearance and vitality. Here are a few prevalent diseases in our area.

Oak Wilt

Oak wilt is a serious fungal disease that affects oak trees, causing leaves to discolor, wilt, and rapidly die.

• Symptoms: Look for leaves browning or yellowing at the edges, starting from the top of the tree and moving down. Infected trees may shed their leaves prematurely.
• Treatment: Early detection is critical. Strategic tree pruning can sometimes remove infected limbs, but severe cases may require professional tree service and removal to prevent the disease from spreading to nearby oaks.

Lethal Bronzing

Previously known as Texas Phoenix Palm Decline, Lethal Bronzing is a disease that affects several palm tree species in Florida, including the iconic Sabal palm.

• Symptoms: The first sign of Lethal Bronzing is often premature fruit drop, followed by the discoloration of fronds, which turn a distinct bronze or reddish-brown color, starting with the oldest ones.
• Treatment: Unfortunately, once a palm shows symptoms, it's often too late to save. Preventative antibiotic injections by a professional tree service can protect healthy palms in the vicinity.

Canker Diseases

Canker diseases are caused by fungi or bacteria that create dead sections of bark on branches or trunks. These cankers can disrupt the flow of nutrients, weakening the tree.

• Symptoms: Sunken, discolored, or dead areas of bark are the primary indicators of canker diseases. You might also see small, dark bumps on the canker surface, which are the fungal fruiting bodies.
• Treatment: The most effective approach is to prune out the infected branches. Our professional tree pruning service ensures that cuts are made correctly to promote healing and prevent further infection.

The Importance of Professional Tree Service

While identifying symptoms is helpful, diagnosing and treating tree diseases should be left to professionals. Incorrect pruning can worsen the problem or damage the tree further. Our team at AAA Best Tree Service has the specialized training and equipment to handle these issues safely and effectively. We can:

• Accurately diagnose the disease affecting your trees.
• Develop a strategic treatment plan, including professional tree pruning or targeted applications.
• Safely remove trees that are beyond saving to protect your property and other healthy trees.

Contact Us for Professional Tree Care in Pace, Milton, and Pensacola, FL

Don't let tree diseases compromise your property’s beauty and safety. If you notice any signs of distress in your trees, it's time to call in the experts. AAA Best Tree Service has proudly served property owners in Pace, Milton, Pensacola, and the surrounding communities for nearly 30 years.

Contact AAA Best Tree Service today to schedule a free estimate for our professional tree services.