What are the Signs of Tree Disease?

Identifying tree disease early is essential for preserving the health of your landscape. In Northwest Louisiana, common indicators of disease include:

• Discolored, spotted, or bronze-colored leaves
• Wilting or curling foliage and premature leaf drop
• Dead or dying branches, known as canopy dieback
• Bark issues such as cracks, splits, or oozing sap
• Unusual fungal growths or mushrooms at the base of the tree
• Specific patterns like browning leaf veins, which often signal oak wilt, or irregular leaf lesions and spots common with anthracnose

Additionally, be aware of structural signs that may require professional attention, such as post-storm trunk cracks wider than 2 inches, trees leaning more than 15 degrees toward structures, or deadwood exceeding 20% of the canopy. Because many symptoms can mimic one another, a professional assessment is recommended to confirm a diagnosis through visual inspection and laboratory testing.