Leaf and Stem Disease

What are Tree and Shrub Diseases?
Most tree and shrub diseases affecting plants are fungal in nature. Fungus emits spores that travel from plant to plant by vectors such as wind, rain and bees. Different fungus attack plant tissue in different ways. Some attack stems and trunks of plants, these are known as cankers. Other diseases attack the leaf area causing browning and often premature leaf drop. Many plants can live with infections, however the aesthetic implications may warrant treatment.

Treatment of Tree Diseases
Tree diseases can be treated in a multitude of ways, the most common is the form of a spray that covers the leaf and stem areas. Most disease treatments of this kind require two to three applications to prevent infection throughout the susceptibility period. Injection of materials into the trunk or the soil allows the plant to absorb the product into its vascular system. This method can be very effective and offer longer residual than conventional spraying. However, it can be most costly and it is not that effective in dealing with certain pathogens and in some cases can injure the tree.