Is Your Tree Sick? Signs of Disease and Infestation Every Homeowner Should Know
Healthy, thriving trees don’t just make your yard look great—they add shade, reduce energy costs, and boost property value. However, when a tree begins to decline, it can become more than just an eyesore. Diseased or pest-infested trees often pose a safety hazard, threatening nearby structures, vehicles, and even people.
Learning how to spot early warning signs is one of the best ways to protect your landscape investment. Here’s what homeowners across Greenville, Spartanburg, and the rest of the Upstate of South Carolina should know about tree health.
Common Tree Diseases in the Upstate
South Carolina’s warm, humid climate is ideal for trees but also for fungi and bacteria. Here are a few culprits our arborists frequently see:
- Oak Wilt – This fast-moving fungal disease blocks water flow inside oak trees, causing leaves to brown and drop prematurely. Red oaks are especially vulnerable.
- Powdery Mildew – If you notice a white, dusty film on leaves, powdery mildew may be the cause. While rarely fatal, it weakens trees and leaves them prone to other problems.
- Cankers – Sunken, discolored areas on bark can signal canker infections. Left untreated, cankers may girdle branches or trunks, cutting off nutrients.
- Root Rot – Often caused by poorly drained soil, root rot shows up as thinning foliage, stunted growth, and mushrooms at the tree’s base.
Early treatment, such as pruning infected limbs, improving soil drainage, or applying fungicides, can save a tree if caught in time.
Top Pests to Watch For
Several that can wreak havoc on healthy trees call the Upstate home:
- Emerald Ash Borer – This metallic green beetle targets ash trees, leaving D-shaped exit holes and serpentine galleries under the bark. Infested trees thin from the top down.
- Southern Pine Beetle – A major threat to pines, these beetles bore into bark, leaving pitch tubes and reddish sawdust. Whole stands of pines can be lost if infestations spread.
- Scale Insects – These tiny, shell-covered bugs feed on sap, weakening branches and causing sticky “honeydew” that encourages mold.
- Tent Caterpillars & Bagworms – You may spot their webbed nests in spring or summer, defoliating trees quickly if populations explode.
Because pests often work quietly under bark or in foliage, regular inspections are key.
Warning Signs Your Tree Might Be in Trouble
Even if you don’t know a scale insect from a canker, there are universal symptoms that something isn’t right:
- Discolored, spotted, or curling leaves
- Oozing sap or sticky residue on branches
- Sawdust or tiny holes at the base or trunk
- Thinning canopy or sudden branch die-off
- Mushrooms, conks, or other fungi growing near roots
- Cracks, splits, or peeling bark
If you spot any of these, schedule a professional evaluation before the issue escalates.
Remedies & Prevention
Keeping trees healthy is much easier (and cheaper) than trying to save one in decline. A few tips for homeowners in the Greenville area and beyond:
- Water wisely: Deep, infrequent watering encourages strong roots. Avoid waterlogging the soil.
- Prune properly: Removing dead or crossing branches during the correct season for the species. Poor cuts can invite decay, so plan your tree trimming wisely.
- Mulch and feed: A thin layer of organic mulch conserves moisture and moderates soil temperature. Fertilize only as needed.
- Monitor pests: Look over leaves, bark, and soil line regularly—especially in spring and summer.
- Call an arborist: Professional diagnosis ensures diseases or insects are identified accurately and treated safely.
When to Say Goodbye
Unfortunately, some trees can’t be saved. Large dead limbs, hollow trunks, or advanced decay make them dangerous—especially during storms common in the Upstate. Removing a tree before it fails is far safer (and often less expensive) than waiting for gravity to decide.
Greenville Tree Co specializes in safe, efficient tree removal and stump grinding throughout Greenville, Spartanburg, Greer, and surrounding communities. If one of your trees is beyond help, we’ll handle the job from start to finish.
Protect Your Trees—and Your Property
Trees are a valuable asset, but they need care to stay strong and beautiful. By learning to spot disease and pest problems early, you can keep your yard healthy for years to come.
If you suspect a tree on your property might be sick, don’t wait. Contact Greenville Tree Co for a thorough health assessment and expert advice on treatment or safe removal anywhere in the Upstate of South Carolina.