My tree was trimmed about 4 months ago and now I've noticed that the trunk and leaves are turning black with white spots on the limbs. I'm not sure what kind of tree this is. Is it this something I can treat or should I just have it removed?
by MamaReezie
4 Comments
this isn’t a “trimming,” it’s a butchering…
Four months ago was June— the middle of the growing season; usually you wanna prune in dormant season. One reason is wounds invite diseases when they’re left exposed all Summer.
You’ve got thrips. Yes there are treatments for this
From the appearance of the tree, it looks like your tree might be affected by a condition known as sooty mold. This fungal growth is typically black and sooty in appearance, covering leaves, stems, and branches.
Sooty mold itself doesn’t directly harm the tree but can block sunlight, reducing photosynthesis, and can be a symptom of an underlying issue, usually the presence of sap-sucking insects such as aphids, whiteflies, or scale. These insects excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which encourages the growth of the mold.
To manage this issue:
1. Control the insect population: You can try using insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat the pests. Once the insects are gone, the mold will stop spreading.
2. Washing the leaves: If feasible, you can wash the sooty mold off the leaves with a mixture of water and a small amount of soap, but this is often labor-intensive for larger plants.
3. Improving tree health: Ensuring the tree is healthy through proper watering, mulching, and pruning will help it fight off pests and fungal infections more effectively. I would also be happy to talk to give advice about planting a tree guild around your tree to improve the overall health of its surrounding area.
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