Top Signs of Tree Disease and How to Treat Them

Abundant Tree Care Services • January 13, 2025
Looking up at a tree with lots of green leaves against a blue sky.

Trees are a vital part of our southern Illinois landscape, offering shade, beauty, and environmental benefits. However, tree diseases can jeopardize their health and pose risks to your property. Recognizing the early signs of tree disease and addressing them promptly is key to preserving your trees and landscape. Here are some common indicators of tree disease and how Abundant Tree Care Services can help.


Discolored or Wilting Leaves

If you notice leaves turning yellow, brown, or black out of season, your tree may be battling a fungal or bacterial infection. Wilting leaves that drop prematurely are another red flag. Diseases such as anthracnose or leaf spot are common in our region and thrive in humid conditions. Regular tree inspections and targeted treatments can help halt the spread of these diseases.


Dead or Dying Branches

Dead branches, especially in the crown, may indicate canker diseases or root rot. Not only do these branches weaken the tree, but they also increase the risk of property damage. Professional pruning and disease management can save the tree and eliminate safety hazards.


Fungal Growth or Mushrooms

Mushrooms growing near the base of a tree often point to root rot or internal decay. These diseases can weaken the tree’s structural integrity, making it prone to falling. Our team can assess the extent of the damage and recommend solutions such as root zone aeration or, in severe cases, tree removal.


Cracks or Cankers on the Trunk

Open wounds, splits, or sunken areas (cankers) on the trunk may result from bacterial or fungal infections. Left untreated, these cankers can spread and compromise the tree’s health. Proper wound care and disease-resistant treatments are essential to stop further damage.


Treating Tree Diseases in Southern Illinois

Abundant Tree Care Services specializes in diagnosing and treating tree diseases to protect your landscape. Our certified arborists in De Soto, IL use proven techniques to restore tree health. If you suspect a tree on your property is diseased, give our local tree care company a call at 618-227-2881 to request a tree health inspection in southern Illinois. Together, we can keep your trees healthy!

5 Indications that Your Tree Is a Safety Hazard

By Abundant Tree Care Services • April 16, 2025
Healthy trees provide beauty and environmental benefits, but when they become compromised, they can pose significant risks. A hazardous tree can cause property damage and serious injuries. At Abundant Tree Care Services, our local arborists can identify and safely remove dangerous trees. Here are five signs that your tree might be a safety hazard. Cracks or Splits in the Trunk Cracks and splits in the trunk can weaken a tree’s structural integrity, making it more likely to fall. Deep fissures or multiple cracks may indicate internal decay or previous storm damage. If a tree has a significant crack, it may be unstable and prone to collapse. The arborist can assess the extent of the damage and recommend the best course of action. Leaning with Exposed Roots A tree that is leaning significantly, particularly if it has recently changed position, is a major red flag. Leaning trees often have compromised root systems, especially if you notice exposed or damaged roots near the base. Soil erosion, storms, or root disease can contribute to instability. If your tree has started tilting and the roots appear disrupted, it may be at risk of toppling over. Dead/Dying Branches If you notice large branches that are dead or dying, your tree may be in trouble. Dead limbs can break off unexpectedly, especially during storms or high winds, creating a serious hazard for people, vehicles, and structures nearby. If your tree has a significant number of dead branches, it may be time for professional evaluation to determine if pruning or removal is necessary. Signs of Fungal Growth or Decay The presence of fungal growth at the base of a tree can indicate internal decay. Fungi feed on rotting wood, which means the tree’s internal structure may be compromised. Hollow or soft spots in the trunk can also suggest decay, reducing the tree’s ability to withstand storms and high winds. A tree with significant decay should be evaluated to determine whether it poses a risk. Nearby Structures Are at Risk Even if a tree appears healthy, its location can make it a hazard. Trees that are too close to buildings or power lines can create safety issues. Branches that extend over roofs or utility lines can break off and cause damage. If your tree is encroaching on a structure or utility line, professional trimming or removal may be necessary. Tree Removal in De Soto, IL For expert arborist services in De Soto, Carbondale, and Southern Illinois, contact Abundant Tree Care Services at  618-227-2881  . Feel free to give us a call to ask for an estimate!
A white utility truck is cutting a tree with a crane.

What is Urban Tree Service?

By Abundant Tree Care Services • March 15, 2025
Urban tree care is essential for maintaining the health and beauty of trees in city environments. Unlike trees in natural forests, urban trees face unique challenges such as pollution, limited space, soil compaction, and human activity. Proper care ensures that these trees thrive and continue to provide benefits such as shade, improved air quality, and aesthetic appeal. At Abundant Tree Care, we provide expert urban tree care in Southern Illinois. Here’s a short overview of what urban tree care entails. Regular Pruning and Trimming One of the most important aspects of urban tree care is pruning and trimming. Trees in cities often grow near buildings, sidewalks, and roads, making it essential to remove overgrown or hazardous branches. Pruning helps maintain tree structure, prevents property damage, and reduces the risk of falling limbs. It also promotes healthy growth by eliminating dead or diseased branches, allowing the tree to allocate energy to strong limbs. Soil Management and Nutrition Urban trees frequently struggle with poor soil conditions due to compaction, pollution, and a lack of organic matter. Proper soil management includes mulching and fertilization. Arborists may conduct soil tests to determine nutrient deficiencies and apply treatments that promote strong root development. Healthy soil is essential for supporting urban trees and increasing their resilience to environmental stressors. Root Care and Protection Tree roots in urban settings often face challenges due to pavement, underground utilities, and construction activities. Compacted soil and restricted growing space can hinder root development, leading to instability and poor health. Arborists use specialized techniques like root pruning and protective barriers to safeguard roots from damage. Proper root care helps ensure that trees remain structurally sound. Emergency Tree Services Storms, strong winds, and vehicle collisions can cause sudden tree damage, posing safety risks to pedestrians and property. Urban tree care includes emergency services to remove fallen or hazardous trees promptly. Professional arborists assess damage, determine whether a tree can be saved, and safely remove trees that pose immediate dangers. Quick response to tree emergencies helps prevent further damage and keeps urban areas safer. Tree Care in De Soto, IL For arborist services in De Soto , Carbondale, and Southern Illinois, contact Abundant Tree Care Services at  618-227-2881  . Feel free to give us a call to request an estimate!