Trees are nature’s most spectacular creations and we certainly have more than our fair share of trees in Australia, with many species that are only native to our continent. Of course, trees are susceptible to disease, and with that in mind, here are some of the common diseases that affect Australian trees.
- Cypress Canker – This disease affects the Cypressus tree species, with a fungus that attacks the small branches, and if left unaddressed, it will result in the death of the tree. When you notice tree lopping in Perth, it could be due to Cypress Canker, which is spread by airborne or even water-borne spores.
- Emerald Ash Borers – Small beetles that attack the tree by boring into the bark, and this pest can attack all ash species, with leaves turning yellow being a sign that a tree is under attack from this hardy pest. If you notice yellowing leaves, call out your local arborist, who can treat the tree as required.
- Oak Wilt – As the name suggests, this affects all types of oak, with a soil-based fungus that is spread by beetles, and this infectious disease spreads quickly via the roots and it can kill a tree in a single season. The best way to deal with this is to dig a circular trench around the trunk, approximately 1 metre from the tree, which cuts off the roots and stops the spread of the beetles.
- Citrus Gall Wasp – A nasty pest, you can notice the presence of this disease with bulging branches. The cause is an infection of the Gall Wasps eggs when they are laid on the tree, and if you can remove the affected branch quickly, you can save the tree. If you notice swollen branches on your citrus tree, contact an arborist who can quickly diagnose the problem and carry out prompt treatment.
- Root Rot – Caused by a fungus that lives in the soil, symptoms are wilting leaves in the spring or summer. Luckily, the fungus doesn’t spread well, so an isolated case would not likely lead to other trees falling victim to root rot, and your local arborist can quickly stop the spread of root rot.
The best approach is to monitor your trees on a regular basis, looking for peeling bark or wilting leaves and buds, and should you see anything unusual, research online or call in your local arborist.
