Extension, Utah State University

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10Borer Damage• Prevalent throughout growing season• More common on willow, poplar, ash, birch, aspen and locust• Small borer holes and frass (sawdust-like material) may befound on limbs, trunk, and in crouches• One or more branches may die• Sparse growth throughout the tree is common• Often the branch or stem will swell where infestedAphids• Common problem from late May through July• Small pear shaped insects found on and under leaves• Leaves may curl around insects• Leaves will be sticky from a honeydew substance the aphids excrete;this honeydew substance may drip from the tree sticking toanything below the tree• Tree may appear a little off color• Wasps and ants may be attracted to the honeydew the aphids produceBroad-leaf Weed Killer Damage (2,4-D)• Frequently caused by herbicide applications made during hotweather (85ºF+)• Prevalent May through September• Leaves curl or cup inward• Veins become prominent• Small stems may curlMechanical Damage• Damage around the base of trunk caused from trimmers, mowers,and other equipment• Damage to the internal transport/vascular system from tight tie wiresor ropes• Bark may sluff off above the wound• Tree will show restricted growth and may be weaker on one side• Branches above wound may be weakened and show signs of stressIron Chlorosis• Prevalent throughout the growing season• Veins remain green while the area between veins turns yellow• Newer growth is usually more susceptible than older• Excess soil moisture reduces the availability of iron• In severe cases leaves can turn almost white, will be smaller thannormal, and can have brown spots or edges and scorch in hotweather• Some tree species (peach, silver maple, catalpa, pines) are moresusceptible than othersTop 10 Tree Problems inNorthern UtahHFS-02April 2002Verticillium Wilt• Caused by a soil born fungus that invades the vascular systemreducing sap flow• Affects tree throughout growing season• One or many branches may wilt, become weakened, sparse or die• When wood is cut into, a characteristic brown to gray streaking maybe found• The disease can be fatalRoot Rot• Tree is loose in the soil and  if the trunk is rocked back and forth thesoil around the crown may move• Soil around roots may have a distinct odor of rot or mildew• Roots are soft, and may be streaked internally with the colors ofpurple, brown or black• Leaves may be yellow, sparse and drop early• Skin of small roots may slip easily• Few or no small white feeder rootsSlime Flux• It is a bacterial infection of the vascular system, fermenting the sapand causing pressure to build up under the bark• Prevalent throughout the year• Frequently affects poplars, elms, willows, and mulberrys• Slime, foam, or ooze exudes from the tree, sometimes associatedwith a wound• The area may have a fermented putrid smell that  attracts insects• The oozing discolors the bark where it runs down the treeSummer Scorch• Caused by very hot dry weather or a compromised root system• Symptoms are most prevalent June through September• Leaf margins and interveinal areas turn brown and die• Southwest side of the tree and branches over driveways, roads, andother hard surfaces may be more affected• Larger tree leaves may be more affected than smaller leaves• Iron deficient trees scorch more easilyUtah State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Issued infurtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, incooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Jack M. Payne, Vice President andDirector, Cooperative Extension Service, Utah State University.Normal Needle Drop• Common on many pines, arborvitae and other evergreens• Interior needles turn brown• New or outer needles remain green• More common in fall but may occur anytime

Top 10 Tree Problems in Northern Utah

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