Trees in Arlington, TX face a range of environmental challenges, including heat, drought, compacted soil, urban stress, and regional pests. These conditions also make trees more susceptible to a variety of diseases that can threaten their health, stability, and lifespan. Early detection and preventive care are critical for protecting trees and maintaining your property’s curb appeal and value.
In this comprehensive guide, we outline the most common tree diseases in North Texas, early warning signs to look for, and effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Top Tree Diseases in North Texas
Several diseases affect shade and ornamental trees in our area. Knowing what you're up against is the first step in keeping your trees healthy.
Oak Wilt
- Pathogen: Bretziella fagacearum (fungus)
- Hosts: Red oaks, live oaks
- Transmission: Sap-feeding beetles, root grafts
- Symptoms: Leaf browning, sudden leaf drop, vascular discoloration
- Risk: High—can kill red oaks within weeks
Anthracnose
- Pathogen: Several fungi (e.g., Gloeosporium spp., Discula spp.)
- Hosts: Sycamores, maples, oaks
- Symptoms: Irregular brown blotches on leaves, curling, twig dieback, early leaf drop
- Risk: Moderate—recurring infection weakens trees over time
Root Rot
- Pathogen: Phytophthora, Armillaria, and others
- Cause: Overwatering, poor drainage
- Symptoms: Wilting despite wet soil, leaf yellowing, dieback, mushrooms at base
- Risk: High—undetected root decay can lead to tree collapse
Leaf Spot
- Pathogen: Various fungi and bacteria
- Symptoms: Dark, round spots on leaves; premature defoliation
- Risk: Low to moderate, but recurring infections stress the tree and reduce aesthetics
Trees Hurt Too Inc. offers professional tree care services to identify and treat each of these diseases with precision and safety.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Some symptoms are obvious, while others are easy to overlook. Keep an eye out for:
- Sudden or premature leaf drop
- Unseasonal wilting or discoloration
- Dead branches or thinning canopies
- Fungal growth near the trunk or roots
- Bark peeling or cracking
- Soggy or compacted soil around the tree base
If you notice any of these, schedule an inspection immediately. Timely intervention—such as tree injection treatments—can stop many infections in their tracks and help your tree recover.
Why Tree Diseases Spread in Arlington
Environmental factors in North Texas contribute to the spread of disease:
- Clay-heavy soil traps moisture, fostering root rot
- Erratic rainfall alternates between flooding and drought stress
- High summer humidity encourages fungal spore growth
- Dense canopies and overplanted lots limit airflow, trapping moisture
- Improper pruning and tree wounds provide easy entry for pathogens
Prevention Tips
While not all diseases are preventable, you can significantly reduce the risk by following these best practices:
Improve Soil Health
- Aerate compacted soils to improve drainage and oxygen flow
- Add organic mulch (but avoid piling against trunk)
- Conduct periodic soil testing to address nutrient deficiencies
Prune Responsibly
- Prune only during dormant seasons unless removing dead wood
- Sanitize tools between cuts to prevent cross-contamination
Manage Moisture
- Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth
- Avoid sprinkler systems that wet foliage excessively
- Consider moisture management solutions to balance hydration and prevent rot
Monitor Trees Regularly
- Inspect trees monthly for visual changes
- Look under the canopy and at the soil line for hidden symptoms
When to Call a Tree Care Specialist
You should call a professional arborist if:
- You observe more than 25% canopy loss
- Fungus or mushrooms are growing at the trunk base
- The tree is leaning or showing signs of root instability
- There’s unexplained leaf browning, curling, or defoliation
Trees Hurt Too Inc. provides expert diagnostics, including pathogen testing and site evaluation. Based on the diagnosis, we may recommend:
- Fungicide or bactericide treatments
- Tree injections
- Soil amendments and moisture correction
- Crown thinning or structural pruning
Protect Your Trees Year-Round
Trees are an investment in shade, privacy, and property value. But once disease sets in, damage can spread quickly—sometimes beyond repair. The key to healthy trees is early action, regular maintenance, and proactive care.
Our arborists specialize in tree health issues specific to Arlington and surrounding areas. We understand the soil types, weather trends, and regional pests that affect our trees year after year.
Let Trees Hurt Too Inc. help you with:
- Disease detection and treatment
- Custom fertilization and soil health programs
- Year-round tree care and inspection services
Schedule a Tree Health Evaluation
Don’t wait until your tree is in decline. Contact Trees Hurt Too Inc. today to schedule a comprehensive tree health inspection. Whether you’re concerned about leaf spots, oak wilt, or root rot, we’ll create a tailored plan to restore health and protect your landscape.
Explore our full range of tree care services, including tree injections and moisture management for long-term protection.
