Black spots on tree leaves are troubling for property owners who are concerned their trees' health could be at risk. The unsightly spotting can indicate leaf spot diseases, infestation, or damage.
Knowing the cause is the first step to understanding the remedies. In this post, the leading provider of tree services in Charlotte, NC, Monster Tree Service of South Charlotte, discusses this common issue.
Causes of Black Leaf Spotting
There are several common causes of black spots on tree leaves, including:
Fungus. Fungal disease often causes dark spotting. Most trees in our region are resilient to fungal infection and recover without permanent damage in later seasons. However, some diseases can lead to complete leaf loss that can immediately threaten a tree. Black spot fungus usually develops in spring's wet weather. It grows rapidly until hot summer temperatures set in later in the season.
Bacteria. Some bacteria can also form black spots that look similar to fungus spots. However, they are slightly different, and it usually takes expert examination to determine the nature of the infection.
Pests. Pest damage sometimes presents as black spotting. These black spots may be insect eggs or waste. Holes in leaves are another sign of a pest infestation.
Overwatering and excessive fertilization. When property owners overwater with soaker hoses, overfertilize trees, or the soil around the tree drains poorly, the tree can develop problems taking in nutrition. That can lead to leaf spotting, although it more commonly causes leaves to turn yellow.
Severe weather. Significant storm damage can sometimes cause leaf spotting. Healthy trees usually recover from this type of damage unless some structural injury occurs.
Understanding the Symptoms of Black Spots on Tree Leaves
If you see yellowing and black or dark brown spots, take notes of what you see and take some photos with the date noted. Take pictures of fallen leaves. They will help you and your tree expert analyze symptom changes over time.
Note whether the spots occur on both sides of the leaves or only on the bottoms. Inspect spotted leaves to determine if they are drying out or are oozing any liquid from near or inside the leaf spots.
This information will help Monster Tree Service of South Charlotte understand and diagnose leaf spotting to make appropriate recommendations.
Remedies for Black Leaf Spotting
Black spot fungus travels on wind and air moisture from leaf to leaf and can spread between trees quickly when weather conditions are optimal. There are suitable fungicides that can be safely used depending on a number of factors, including the species of trees on your property.
Monster Tree Service of South Charlotte will recommend and provide appropriate treatment based on accurately diagnosing your trees' condition. Call today for a free consultation!
Count on Monster Tree Service of South Charlotte for Complete Tree Service
Whether you have questions about black spots on tree leaves or want to know how to fix pruning mistakes on your trees in South Charlotte, call on the top professional arborist and tree service company in the region for total customer service and satisfaction.
Call Monster Tree Service of South Charlotte today at (704) 741-4432 to schedule service.