Florida’s warm, humid climate creates the perfect environment for lush landscapes—but it also encourages the growth of many tree diseases. If you own residential or commercial property in Florida, it’s crucial to recognize the most common tree diseases and know how to address them quickly. Investing in professional tree and plant care from a trusted company like Harley’s Tree Service can help protect your trees, preserve your property’s beauty, and avoid costly damage.
Here’s your guide to the most common threats—and how Harley’s Tree Service can help.
Most Common Tree Diseases in Florida
1. Laurel Wilt Disease
Laurel Wilt is one of the deadliest diseases for red bay trees and other species in the laurel family. It spreads quickly through beetles carrying a deadly fungus. Once infected, trees wilt and die rapidly.
Signs to watch for:
- Rapid wilting of leaves
- Dark streaks in the sapwood
- Tree death within a few weeks
Treatment: There is no cure, but early detection, removing infected trees, and professional fungicide treatments can slow the spread.
2. Ganoderma Butt Rot
This fungal disease attacks the base of trees, causing structural weakness and eventual collapse.
Signs to watch for:
- White or brown mushrooms (conks) growing on the trunk
- Soft, rotting wood at the base
- Tree leaning or instability
Treatment: Trees diagnosed with Ganoderma typically require immediate removal by professionals like Harley’s Tree Service to prevent property damage.
3. Anthracnose
Common among oak, sycamore, and maple trees, Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes leaf spots, wilting, and premature leaf drop.
Signs to watch for:
- Dark lesions on leaves
- Twisted, dying branches
- Early leaf shedding
Treatment: Tree pruning to remove infected branches combined with targeted fungicide applications can help manage the disease.
4. Bacterial Leaf Scorch
This bacterial infection disrupts a tree’s ability to carry water, leading to gradual dieback.
Signs to watch for:
- Browning edges of leaves
- Early leaf drop
- Thinning canopy
Treatment: There’s no cure, but professional tree and plant care strategies can prolong tree life and manage symptoms.
5. Sooty Mold
Sooty mold is a fungus that grows on the sticky honeydew secreted by pests like aphids and whiteflies.
Signs to watch for:
- Black, soot-like coating on leaves and branches
- Decreased photosynthesis, leading to weakened trees
Treatment: Effective pest management and regular tree maintenance can prevent sooty mold from taking over.
How Harley’s Tree Service Protects Your Trees
At Harley’s Tree Service, tree and plant care is more than just trimming branches—it’s a comprehensive strategy to prevent and treat tree diseases before they cause irreversible damage. Their services include:
- Regular Tree Inspections: Detect early signs of disease.
- Custom Treatment Plans: Tailored solutions based on the type of disease and tree species.
- Fertilization and Soil Management: Boost tree health to resist infections.
- Pest and Fungus Control: Manage insects and fungi that cause or worsen diseases.
Their licensed arborists have the training and experience to identify potential problems and act fast, saving trees and protecting your investment.
Residential and Commercial Tree Services by Harley’s Tree Service
In addition to expert disease management, Harley’s Tree Service offers a full suite of residential tree services in Florida and commercial tree services in Florida, including:
- Tree trimming and pruning
- Stump grinding and removal
- Emergency storm cleanup
- Tree cabling and bracing
- Lot clearing
Their certified arborists ensure your trees stay healthy, beautiful, and structurally sound year-round.
Professional Tree Removal When Necessary
When diseases severely damage trees beyond saving, safe and efficient removal is critical. Harley’s Tree Service provides professional tree removal services to protect your home or business.
- Standard Tree Removal: Removing dead, dying, or dangerous trees safely.
- Crane Tree Removal Services: For larger, harder-to-reach trees, Harley’s uses specialized crane-assisted removal equipment to minimize property impact and ensure safety.
Whether it’s a small residential job or a large commercial project, Harley’s has the expertise and equipment to handle any removal task with care.
Tree diseases in Florida are common—but they don’t have to ruin your property. Early detection, professional treatment, and proactive maintenance can keep your landscape thriving for years to come. Harley’s Tree Service is your trusted partner for all your tree and plant care, residential tree services in Florida, commercial tree services in Florida, and tree removal needs. Don’t wait until the disease spreads—contact Harley’s Tree Service today! Our certified arborists are ready to protect your trees and ensure your property stays safe, healthy, and beautiful.