5 Common Tree Diseases and How to Prevent Them

February 27, 2025

Healthy trees enhance the beauty, value, and environmental quality of a property, but tree diseases can quickly compromise their strength and stability. When left untreated, infections can spread, leading to tree decline, safety hazards, and potential removal costs. Identifying tree diseases early and taking preventative action can protect your landscape from significant damage.



If you’re uncertain about the health of your trees, Quality First Tree Service & Landscaping offers expert assessments and treatment solutions to prevent disease from spreading and harming surrounding vegetation.

1. Root Rot

Signs of Root Rot:

  • Yellowing or wilting leaves
  • Mushy or soft roots
  • Fungal growth at the base of the tree
  • Slow or stunted growth



Root rot is a fungal disease that attacks the root system, often due to poor drainage and overwatering. Since tree roots are underground, this disease is difficult to detect until it has caused irreversible damage. Trees suffering from root rot become unstable and prone to falling, creating safety risks for homes and structures.


Prevention:

To reduce the risk of root rot, ensure your trees are planted in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering. If you suspect root rot, Quality First Tree Service & Landscaping can evaluate the extent of the damage and recommend solutions such as soil aeration, root treatments, or removal if necessary.

2. Dutch Elm Disease

Signs of Dutch Elm Disease:

  • Wilted, curled, or yellowing leaves
  • Brown streaks in the wood beneath the bark
  • Branches dying from the top down


Dutch Elm Disease is caused by a fungus that clogs a tree’s vascular system, preventing it from transporting water and nutrients. Once infected, the disease spreads rapidly, often leading to total tree loss.



Prevention:

Preventative pruning of weak or infected branches can slow the spread. Additionally, maintaining strong, healthy trees through regular care improves resistance. If Dutch Elm Disease is suspected, it is critical to contact a professional immediately to assess whether the tree can be saved or must be removed to prevent further spread.

3. Oak Wilt

Signs of Oak Wilt:

  • Wilting or browning leaves starting from the crown
  • Rapid leaf loss
  • Dark streaks in the wood
  • Cracks or fungal growth on bark



Oak Wilt is an aggressive fungal disease that spreads through root systems and insect activity. Once infected, oak trees decline rapidly, often dying within weeks or months.


Prevention:

Avoid pruning oak trees during warm months, as open wounds attract sap-feeding beetles that carry the disease. If you notice symptoms, consult Quality First Tree Service & Landscaping immediately. Early detection is key, and professional treatment can sometimes halt the spread to other nearby oaks.

4. Anthracnose

Signs of Anthracnose:

  • Irregular brown spots on leaves
  • Leaves curling, distorting, or dropping prematurely
  • Twigs and branches showing signs of dieback



Anthracnose is a fungal infection that primarily affects deciduous trees such as maples, sycamores, and dogwoods. It thrives in cool, damp environments and often spreads rapidly in spring.


Prevention:

Proper pruning improves air circulation and reduces excess moisture, helping to prevent fungal growth. Removing infected leaves and avoiding overhead watering can also reduce the chances of infection. For persistent anthracnose problems, a professional tree service can apply targeted fungicide treatments to protect against further outbreaks.

5. Fire Blight

Signs of Fire Blight:

  • Leaves and branches turning black or brown as if burned
  • Twigs wilting and bending into a “shepherd’s crook” shape
  • Sticky, bacterial ooze forming on affected areas


Fire blight is a highly contagious bacterial disease that primarily affects apple, pear, and other fruit-bearing trees. It spreads quickly during warm, humid weather and can destroy an entire tree if left untreated.


Prevention:

Regular pruning of infected branches and proper sanitation of tools after cutting can slow the disease’s spread. Choosing disease-resistant tree varieties can also help. If fire blight is suspected, consulting an expert quickly is essential to prevent further damage.

Why Professional Tree Care Is Essential

Tree diseases can be difficult to diagnose without professional expertise. What may appear as minor leaf discoloration could indicate a larger underlying issue. Without proper care, these diseases can weaken trees, spread to other plants, and result in costly removals.


At Quality First Tree Service & Landscaping, we provide:

  • Tree health assessments to detect early disease symptoms
  • Pruning and treatment solutions to prevent further damage
  • Safe tree removal if necessary to protect your property



If you’re unsure about the health of your trees, don’t wait until the damage becomes severe. Contact Quality First Tree Service & Landscaping today for a professional evaluation and ensure your trees remain strong, healthy, and beautiful for years to come.

The Value of Protecting the Mature Trees on Your Property

July 25, 2025
Preserving Your Landscape’s Legacy Mature trees are more than just a backdrop for your property; they are long-standing assets that contribute to environmental health, home value, and the character of your landscape. Whether it is a towering oak shading your backyard or a line of maples defining your property line, established trees offer irreplaceable benefits that deserve careful protection.  At Quality First Tree Service, we specialize in helping homeowners preserve and maintain these natural investments. Here is why mature trees matter, and how to keep them safe, healthy, and thriving. Why Mature Trees Matter 1. Property Value Well-maintained mature trees can increase property value by as much as 10–15%, according to real estate experts. Buyers are often drawn to homes with established landscaping and natural shade.

When to Call a Pro: 6 Signs That a Tree Is a Hazard, Not Just an Eyesore

July 17, 2025
Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore Trees are a defining part of the landscape in Tennessee. They provide beauty, shade, and habitat—but they can also become dangerous liabilities when their health declines or their structure is compromised. While some tree issues may seem cosmetic at first glance, others carry serious risks to your property and personal safety. Knowing when a tree has crossed the line from unsightly to unsafe is essential. At Quality First Tree Service, we specialize in identifying and managing these hazards with professional care. Here are the key signs that it is time to stop overlooking that problem tree—and call in the experts.

The Role of Tree Work in Fire Prevention for Tennessee Properties

July 11, 2025
Reducing Fire Risk Starts with Your Trees As summer temperatures rise and dry conditions become more common across Tennessee, the risk of property-damaging fires increases — even in areas not traditionally seen as fire-prone. While wildfires may not be as widespread in the Southeast as they are in the West, brush fires and structural fires can still pose a real threat, especially during dry stretches. One of the most overlooked ways to reduce this risk? Professional tree care. At Quality First Tree Service, we specialize in the safe removal, pruning, and thinning of trees — not only to protect your property from falling limbs but also to help reduce the fuel sources that can accelerate fires. In this article, we explain how proactive tree work plays a crucial role in fire safety for Tennessee homeowners and landowners. Fire Risk Is Closer Than You Think Most people don’t associate Tennessee with large-scale wildfires , but regional fire incidents have increased in recent years due to hotter summers, less predictable rainfall, and increased development in wooded areas. Even small brush fires, once ignited, can spread quickly through overgrown yards, unmanaged woodlots, or properties surrounded by dense trees and dead vegetation.  The key to minimizing that risk lies in managing the landscape — especially what surrounds your home or structures. And that’s where trained tree professionals come in.

How Shade Trees Can Protect Your Home If They’re Maintained Properly

July 3, 2025
The Power of Shade In the heat of a Middle Tennessee summer, few things are more appreciated than a well-placed shade tree. A large, healthy tree can provide real relief from intense sunlight, help regulate your home’s temperature, and even lower your utility bills. But like anything that lives and grows, trees must be properly cared for—especially when they stand close to your home. At Quality First Tree Service, we believe in the benefits of mature trees. But we also know that without regular maintenance, those same trees can become a hazard. Here is what you need to know about the protective power of shade trees—and why smart maintenance matters.

Why Every Tree on Your Property Needs a Health Check

June 13, 2025
Don’t Wait for a Fall Most homeowners notice when a tree is visibly dead or dangerously leaning—but what about the trees that look fine from a distance? Trees can develop serious health issues beneath the surface, often long before symptoms become obvious. Just like a home inspection or a routine checkup at the doctor, a professional tree health assessment helps catch problems early, avoid costly removals, and protect the long-term value of your landscape. At Quality First Tree Service, we offer full-service evaluations by trained professionals who know how to spot risks, diagnose disease, and keep your property safe and thriving. Here is why a regular tree health check is a smart move for any property owner in Middle Tennessee.

It’s Copperhead Season: Why You Need to Get Your Yard Cleared ASAP

June 6, 2025
Protect Your Home from Copperheads This Summer As the weather warms up in Tennessee, homeowners should be aware that copperhead activity increases significantly during late spring and summer. These venomous snakes are among the most common in the region , and they are known for their ability to blend into natural surroundings—particularly brush, wood piles, and yard debris. Copperheads are not aggressive by nature , but when startled or stepped on, they will bite. Their venom is rarely fatal to humans , but a bite can cause serious pain, swelling, and potential complications, especially in children, pets, or individuals with preexisting health issues. The best way to protect your household is not by eliminating snakes—it’s by making your yard less inviting to them in the first place. At Quality First Tree Service, we emphasize proactive prevention. One of the most effective steps you can take this season is to clear brush, remove debris, and reclaim overgrown areas where copperheads are most likely to shelter.

How Tree Trimming Can Improve Sunlight and Airflow for Your Property

May 29, 2025
Unlocking the  Hidden Perks of Professional Tree Trimming Tree trimming is often seen as a maintenance task—something homeowners do to keep their yards tidy or remove low-hanging branches. But done strategically and professionally, tree trimming has much broader benefits. Two of the most important, and often overlooked, are improved sunlight penetration and better airflow throughout your property. At Quality First Tree Service, we approach trimming as both a safety measure and a health-focused solution. When performed correctly, trimming enhances the environment for your trees, your landscape, and your home itself.

Trees Prone to Storm Damage in Middle Tennessee

May 22, 2025
Storm-Ready Yards Living in Middle Tennessee means dealing with frequent weather changes, including strong storms that bring heavy wind, rain, and even ice. While many trees in this region thrive in the climate, certain species are more vulnerable to storm damage than others. For homeowners in Columbia, Spring Hill, and surrounding areas, knowing which trees are more likely to fail under pressure is crucial for maintaining a safe property. At Quality First Tree Service & Landscaping, we see the same tree-related storm hazards again and again. Here are the top species to monitor closely and consider removing or trimming before the next storm hits.

What to Expect From Professional Stump Grinding Services: A Homeowner’s Guide

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The Benefits of Stump Grinding: Clean, Safe, and Efficient After a tree is removed, what’s left behind is often an unsightly stump. While some people choose to leave it alone, there are solid reasons to have it taken care of—both for aesthetics and safety. That’s where stump grinding comes in. This process is quick, efficient, and offers a clean solution to what can become a long-term nuisance if ignored. If you’ve never had stump grinding done before, here’s what you can expect—and when you should consider making the call.

Storm Damage 101: What to Do When a Tree Falls on Your Property

May 7, 2025
Don’t Wait—What to Do When a Tree Falls After a Storm Storms can hit hard and fast in Tennessee. High winds, heavy rain, or ice can turn even the healthiest-looking tree into a dangerous threat. If a tree falls on your property—whether it’s across your driveway, leaning on your home, or tangled in power lines—it’s critical to act quickly and safely. At Quality First Tree Service, we specialize in emergency tree services and know exactly how to handle these situations. Here’s what you need to know if a tree comes down on your property.  Step 1: Stay Safe and Assess From a Distance The moment a tree falls , your first priority should be safety. Don’t try to move limbs, approach the tree, or climb onto your roof. Fallen trees may seem stable but can shift suddenly, especially if they’re resting on a structure or tangled in other trees. If power lines are involved, stay far away and call your utility company immediately—live wires are a serious and immediate danger. Assess the situation from a safe distance. Take note of what the tree has damaged: Is it blocking access? Has it hit your home, shed, fence, or vehicle? This information will help guide the next steps and give professionals the details they need to respond quickly.