Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →

Tree Trunk Diseases

Diseases that affect tree trunks usually occur on the lower trunks or bases of trees. The symptoms include cankers – dead areas of bark – and oozing patches. Insects and other diseases frequently invade the cankers causing additional damage.

There are few effective chemical treatments for diseases that affect tree trunks. Infected trees often decline or die. A laboratory analysis of diseased and healthy tissues from an infected tree can determine the causal agent. A local county extension office can provide assistance with identifying a disease and taking a sample for analysis.

  • Diseases that affect tree trunks usually occur on the lower trunks or bases of trees.

Annosus Root and Butt Rot

Pine trees are affected by annosus root and butt rot, which is caused by the fungus Heterobasidion annosum. Fruiting bodies (mushrooms) grow on and around the base of the infected tree. The disease causes root rot, reddening of needles and reduced growth of foliage. Eventually the tree dies.

Often a ring of trees will be infected around the remaining stump of a diseased tree. Infected or dead trees should be removed and destroyed. Pine trees should not be planted within 20 feet of a tree that has died or been infected by annosus root and butt rot, although it is safe to plant hardwood trees in that area.

  • Pine trees are affected by annosus root and butt rot, which is caused by the fungus Heterobasidion annosum.
  • Fruiting bodies (mushrooms) grow on and around the base of the infected tree.

Basal Cankers

A species of Phytophthora fungus attacks maple trees and causes basal cankers. The bark in the affected areas peels off easily to reveal dead wood underneath. The disease kills the plant tissue that transports water and nutrients, resulting in the death of the tree.

It is probable that the disease enters a tree through wounds caused by a mower, weed eater or some other object striking the trunk. A tree located in wet soil is more prone to Phytophthora diseases.

Sudden Oak Death

Another species of Phytophthora fungus causes sudden oak death, which affects numerous shrubs and trees besides oak trees. Cankers that ooze a dark-colored substance form on the lower trunks of infected trees. The foliage turns brown and the tree dies in one to two years.

  • A species of Phytophthora fungus attacks maple trees and causes basal cankers.

Sudden oak death is difficult to control because the fungus produces thousands of microscopic spores several times each season. The spores are easily spread by wind and water, as well as by clothes, shoes and tools. Plant debris, soil and plants with no symptoms may also contain spores.

Related Articles

Loblolly Pine Tree Diseases
Loblolly Pine Tree Diseases
Diseases of Pine Trees
Diseases of Pine Trees
Identifying Redwood Tree Diseases
Identifying Redwood Tree Diseases
Why Are My Pine Trees Dying?
Why Are My Pine Trees Dying?
Leyland Cypress Diseases
Leyland Cypress Diseases
Willow Oak Tree Diseases
Willow Oak Tree Diseases
Diseases in Oklahoma Oak Trees
Diseases in Oklahoma Oak Trees
Deborah Maple Tree Diseases
Deborah Maple Tree Diseases
Pine Tree Needle Diseases
Pine Tree Needle Diseases
Ponderosa Pine Diseases
Ponderosa Pine Diseases
Silver Maple Tree Diseases
Silver Maple Tree Diseases
Diseases of the Quaking Aspen Tree
Diseases of the Quaking Aspen Tree
Mimosa Tree Wilt Treatment
Mimosa Tree Wilt Treatment
Water Oak Tree Diseases
Water Oak Tree Diseases
Pine Tree Fungus Cure
Pine Tree Fungus Cure
Diseases of Blackjack Oak Trees
Diseases of Blackjack Oak Trees
Garden Guides
×