What's Happening to My Sycamore?
What’s Happening To My Sycamore?
Sycamore/London Plane trees may appear to be sick or dying this year, or they may be losing their leaves sooner than normal. This may be due to the disease Anthracnose, which is a fungal disease that is more severe in cool and wet springs. It can seriously weaken trees and may cause death if the set conditions persist year after year and if controls are not implemented. Anthracnose fungi will cause reduced growth and may predispose the tree to other forms of stress or insect problems. The symptoms occur with sudden browning and curling of leaves. Twigs may die with canker formation and repeated twig dieback may occur. In wet springs the fungi mature and produce spores that are blown into the area or dispersed by splashing rain. These spores infect the twigs expanding leaf bud, and young leaves. Control of the disease with chemical spraying is not always effective because proper timing can be difficult to predict and adequate coverage of big trees is difficult. Cultural controls are somewhat effective.
1. Prune infected twigs and branches during fall or winter. Severe pruning of larger diameter branches is not recommended. Thinning will improve air movement and promote faster drying of the leaves.
2. Proper tree spacing and placement will promote good air circulation.
3. Avoid irrigation systems that wet the leaves.
4. Rake up and remove infected leaves in the fall to help limit the amount of fungi that infect new leaves the following spring.
5. Maintain tree vigor with regular water and fertilization.
Most trees can withstand occasional infections without serious damage.
Janeal Kallas, Lindon City Tree Advisory Board
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