Canker Infestation of Trees

Canker disease of trees is caused by fungi, which grow underneath the tree's bark, killing it. The canker fungi usually invade injured or wounded bark tissues and are among the most destructive problems of woody plants.

Symptons of Canker infestation

Canker infestation symptoms vary depending on the type and health of a tree, as well as the type of canker fungus that has invaded the plant.

Typical symptoms of a canker infestation usually include dead or dying tree limbs, scattered among normal looking limbs. Limbs can appear dark and discolored when compared to healthy ones. Areas of infected limbs appear sunken in and the bark may be swollen or cracked. The canker fungus, if untreated, will eventually overcome the tree and cause it to die completely.

preventing Canker infestation

Preventing a canker infestation is vital to the health of your trees. Most canker infestations do not occur on healthy, hearty trees but on those that are already stressed or weakened . Some common stresses include extreme temperature changes, drought, flash flooding, shock and injury.

Try to avoid damaging your trees or causing them stress by transplanting. To prevent an infestation be sure to plant your trees in an area that is conducive to the vigorous growth of the tree. The tree should be planted in an area where it is adapted to the soil type, sun exposure and other environmental conditions.

How to control Canker infestation

Canker diseases can be controlled if it is diagnosed early on. To control the disease, cut off the infected limb or branch. Pruning out cankers can remove a majority of the fungus from the plant, thus reducing the risk of new infestations.

If however the canker has affected the main trunk, then the tree most likely will need to be replaced before the fungus spreads to surrounding trees. There are no effective chemicals that are available on the market to control the fungi that cause a canker infestation