Tree Diseases : Biotic Disease

The most common biotic disease causing agents are Fungi, Bacteria, Viruses and Insects, we are currently developing information on specific disease causing agents and will link them as they are completed. In the mean time we have outlined some symptoms below which we hope is of use or just interest.

Please remember however it is well established that most pathogens and biotic disease agents require a predisposed (weakened) host. So always avoid any cause of stress to your trees see our comming abiotic disease section for more advice on how to avoid stress to trees.

Fungi

There are thousands of pathogenic fungal species that will affect trees as individuals, groups or even whole woodlands through the grafting of roots, or dispersal some of the more common can be seen frequently as larger fruiting bodies, powdery moulds and rusts on our stressed urban trees. We are developing information pages on the commonest of these species to be added to this website. However if you have concerns regarding a particular fungus you think may be affecting your trees or woodland we can offer Further advice

Viruses

Again Viruses are a common cause of disease amoungst our tree's and woodlands causing a variety of symptoms curling leaves,stem and branch leisions, 'cankers', and some times just a relatively harmless discolouration of the leaves. If you have concerns drop us a line it may be nothing to be worried about. Further advice

Insects

Insects may cause a multitude of biotic disease and injury the well known effects for example Oak Apple's, Spangle Gall and that sticky sap and powdery black mould on your car when parked under a tree. Insects may also act as vectors (transporters) of other types of disease such as the infamous Dutch Elm Disese which is spread by a beetle. If you have concerns regarding an insect you have seen on your trees or just general question drop us a line Further advice

Bacteria

Similar effects to viruses may be caused by bacteria or other micro organisms and the symptoms as would be expected are generaly the only evidence.

If you have concerns drop us a line Further advice