Grapevine’s Strategies for Effective Tree Fungus Management

Date February 01, 2024

Author TreeNewal Staff

While some fungi are relatively harmless to trees in North Texas, others can cause serious problems, including disease and death. Knowing how to treat and manage fungus can ensure trees continue to grow and thrive. We’ve put together this guide to help homeowners understand the signs of tree disease and take proactive steps for tree fungus management in Grapevine, Texas.

Signs of Tree Fungus

Image via Unsplash by Rolf Schmidbauer

Different fungi can affect various trees in the North Texas region. These fungi can develop into harmful diseases, such as oak wilt, hypoxylon canker, and root rot, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. Property owners should know the signs of potential tree fungus to take quick action. Some common tree fungus symptoms include the following:

  • Bark discoloration.
  • Wilting leaves or needles.
  • Abnormal leaf or needle growth.
  • Dry leaves, needles, or branches that die off during the growing season.
  • Soggy soil near the tree trunk.
  • Visible fungus growing on the tree.

Preventive Maintenance

Not surprisingly, preventive maintenance is the best way to ensure fungi don’t harm Grapevine trees. At TreeNewal, we offer routine tree maintenance services, including tree nutrition. During this annual maintenance, our certified tree experts thoroughly inspect trees for signs of fungal infections and recommend how homeowners can keep their trees strong and healthy.

In addition to scheduling this annual service, here are some other tips Grapevine property owners can follow to prevent fungal infections:

  • Make sure trees receive enough water during periods of heat and drought.
  • Apply additional fertilization as necessary to ensure trees get proper nourishment.
  • Rake and remove fallen leaves from the property.
  • Clean garden tools properly when using them for different plants, especially ones suffering from an infection.

Tree Pruning

Although there’s no cure for trees infected with fungi, there are ways to minimize the effects and prevent it from spreading to other trees on a property. TreeNewal arborists, who are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture, can perform tree pruning to control or remove infected limbs.

We often use a technique known as crown thinning to prune trees, increasing their access to air and sunlight. This method can help keep a fungal infection from spreading.

Disease Treatments

There are several options if a tree becomes diseased. We start by evaluating its health and designing a treatment plan, which may involve pruning limbs, improving the soil, or providing additional nourishment to the tree. If necessary, we’ll recommend specific treatments that can treat the fungal infection and protect against infestation.

Tree Removal

In some cases, an infected tree may become damaged beyond repair, and it may be necessary to remove the tree to ensure the infection doesn’t spread throughout a property. We work with Grapevine homeowners to ensure they understand their options and help them decide on tree removal. When necessary, we remove trees safely using the proper tools and techniques.

As tree experts, we know the signs of fungal disease and understand how to treat infections in North Texas trees. We offer a variety of services to provide comprehensive tree fungus management in Grapevine and the surrounding area. For more information, contact us online or call us at 817-329-2450.