June 30, 2025
Healthy trees don’t happen by accident — they need the right care to thrive year after year. One of the biggest threats to your trees? Disease. From root rot to leaf blight, untreated tree diseases can weaken or even kill trees that have been part of your yard for decades.
At Empire Tree Services, we believe a little proactive care goes a long way. Here’s what our certified arborists recommend to keep your trees healthy and disease-free.
Know the Early Warning Signs
The first step in preventing tree diseases is knowing what to look for. Keep an eye out for:
- Discolored or spotted leaves
- Unusual leaf drop outside of fall
- Mushrooms or fungi at the base of the trunk
- Cracks or cankers in the bark
- Slow or stunted growth
Catching these signs early can mean the difference between simple treatment and losing a tree entirely.
Schedule Regular Tree Inspections
Even the healthiest-looking tree can hide problems below the surface. That’s why our team recommends a professional inspection at least once a year. A trained arborist can spot subtle signs of disease, pest infestations, or structural weakness before they become big problems.
Pro Tip: Keep a record of your inspections so you can track changes in your trees over time.
Prune for Better Airflow and Sunlight
Good pruning is one of the simplest ways to prevent disease. Removing dead or diseased branches keeps infections from spreading. Thinning dense canopies allows better air circulation and more sunlight, which discourages fungal growth.
Do it right: Never over-prune or cut randomly — poor cuts can actually make your tree more vulnerable. Always hire a pro for major pruning work.
Water and Feed Your Trees Wisely
Overwatering, underwatering, or using the wrong fertilizer can all stress a tree, weakening its natural defenses.
A few watering basics:
- Water deeply, but less often — this encourages strong, deep root systems.
- Use mulch to help soil retain moisture and prevent weeds that compete for nutrients.
- Choose the right fertilizer for your soil and tree species — too much can burn roots.
When in doubt, get your soil tested. Our team can help you figure out exactly what your trees need to stay healthy.
Protect Your Soil Health
Your trees’ roots need healthy soil to absorb nutrients and water. Compacted soil, poor drainage, or erosion can lead to root diseases and overall decline.
Simple ways to keep your soil healthy:
- Avoid heavy foot or vehicle traffic around tree bases
- Use mulch, but don’t pile it against the trunk (“volcano mulching” causes rot)
- Improve drainage if water pools near your trees after rain
Stay Informed About Local Tree Diseases
Some tree diseases are more common in certain areas. For example, powdery mildew, anthracnose, or root rot might be seasonal problems where you live.
What you can do:
- Learn which diseases affect your local tree species.
- Know the conditions that make them more likely (wet springs, compacted soil, etc.).
- Be proactive — if you spot a problem, treat it early.
Our team stays up to date on local tree health issues, so don’t hesitate to ask if you have questions about what’s normal and what’s not.
When In Doubt, Ask an Expert
Tree diseases can spread quickly and sometimes the signs are subtle. If you’re unsure about a change in your trees, call a professional. A quick visit from a certified arborist could save you the cost and heartbreak of losing a mature tree.
Keep Your Trees Healthy Year-Round
At Empire Tree Services, we’re here to help you enjoy strong, beautiful trees for generations. From seasonal inspections to safe pruning and soil care, we’re your partner in healthy, disease-free trees.
📞 Ready for a tree check-up? Call us today to schedule an inspection or talk to one of our experts about a care plan that fits your yard.
