Diseased or Normal?

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

I hope this is the right forum to ask this question in as it's about as close as I can find to "common" trees. We have this tree on the boulevard in front of the house that a neighbor thinks is diseased and should be cut down. Knowing little about trees, we don't know what kind it is or if its appearance is normal or there's something wrong, and if so, can it be saved or is it going to be a hazard in the future. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Featured Answer

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

8 years ago

It's an American basswood, Tilia americana. It is impossible to tell from the photos if there is anything seriously wrong with the tree. Some leaf disfigurement or spotting is very common on most trees at this time of year and I see nothing on the leaves in your photo that would cause me concern.

You should be able to locate an arborist or tree specialist in your area that can examine your tree up close and in person to determine its health and whether or not it poses any hazards. With a tree of that size and maturity, I would consider that well worth the investment before listening to a neighbor that may have no idea what he is taking about!!

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Comments (8)

Michael Smith
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you. I probably should have included more photos. One additional bit of information- one side of the trunk has lots of yellow powder-like covering (pollen?)
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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
8 years ago
I'd suspect the yelow substance is lichen rather than pollen and if so, completely harmless and natural. But without photos, only a guess.
Michael Smith thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
Michael Smith
Original Author
8 years ago
Would it be helpful if i took more pictures, closeups of the bark and closer look at leaves, and if so, what else? I hate to spend a bunch of money on a tree doctor if there's nothing wrong. I do wonder what signs to look for for disease of this kind of tree.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
8 years ago
Signs to look for: complete branch dieback/falling limbs, foliage wilting and drying while still on the tree, extensive early leaf drop, indications of disease pathogens on foliage (none are obviously present in the leaves shown), mushrooms in the lawn adjacent to the base of the tree, mushrooms or fungi growing ON the tree, bark cracking or splitting, wounds or soft spots on the tree itself (cankers).

Just an FYI, but many of these indicators may not be easily seen unless you are actually up IN the tree, hence the suggestion for an arborist to perform an evaluation.

Generally, this is a pretty healthy native species with few specific problems. Usually forms a denser canopy than what is shown but that could very well be a reaction to weather/drought, time of year or insect issues earlier in the season.
Michael Smith thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
Michael Smith
Original Author
8 years ago
Again, thank you so much for your knowledgeable input

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Michael Smith
Original Author
8 years ago

Gardengal48: I really appreciate your help with this. I went back to the tree and looked it over best I could from the ground. The only thing (of those things you listed) that looks sketchy are the leaves- some are dead and still on the tree and larger ones have those spots (new picture above) BUT I did see this time three or four horizontal lines of many closely set HOLES. They are so round they look like they were made with a drill (a previous Tree Doctor or a very skillful insect?) They are so close together I would say (if the tree was cardboard) it looks like they were made by a machine gun. Any ideas?

(Note: I changed the picture to B&W and reduced the contrast so the holes are more apparent-ignore the tree coloring.)
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
8 years ago
Sapsuckers :-) Their precision drilling when searching for sap and insects under tree bark is well known. Generally, the rows of holes cause little problems for the tree........I doubt that is a contributing factor here.
Michael Smith thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)