Is bacterial leaf scorch contagious? If you have multiple trees in your yard and one of them starts to succumb to this disease, it’s natural to feel concerned about the chance of a mass outbreak.
As one of the go-to residential tree care and inspection crews in Pennsylvania, the team at Rick’s PHC Certified Arborists knows a thing or two about this mysterious condition. Below, we break down the facts that can help to safeguard your trees and plants from this contagion.
Where Does the Bacteria Come From?
Bacterial leaf scorch is an unsightly symptom caused by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa. It can make its way into the water-conducting tissue (xylem) of trees, leading to the plant’s inability to transport water and nutrients properly. The resulting distress signal is a scorched look to the leaf’s edges, which is why even the most veteran gardener can mistake it for drought or heat stress.
How Does it Spread?
Is bacterial leaf scorch contagious? Unfortunately, yes. BLS spreads via xylem-feeding insects, such as leafhoppers and spittlebugs.
These insects feast on the infected tree’s sap and then flit from one tree to another, unknowingly serving as delivery vehicles for the Xylella fastidiosa bacteria. BLS can also spread through root grafts. So, when you attach an infected stem to a healthy rootstock or vice-versa, you run the risk of passing on the disease.
BLS Management Strategies
Now that you know how BLS spreads, you’re probably wondering how to keep it at bay. Consider these strategies to help minimize the spread:
Avoid Planting Certain Trees
BLS isn’t an equal opportunity offender; it favors some tree varieties. The most susceptible species include the following:
- Elm
- Red Maple
- Oak
- Sycamore
- Mulberry
- Dogwood
Maintain Plant Vigor
The first line of defense is to make your tree more naturally resilient to pests and disease. Regular watering, proper fertilization, and the use of mulch can improve your tree’s overall health.
Conduct Pruning or Removal
Sometimes, keeping the spread of BLS at bay requires a more drastic, direct intervention. When you spot a branch that’s showing signs of bacterial leaf scorch, prune it off. If the tree is beyond redemption, you might need a full removal, though.
While it’s a tough call to make, removal might be the only way to safeguard the rest of your trees if the leaf scorch has got beyond a certain point.
Get Antibiotic Injections
Administering Oxytetracycline root flare injections during spring can effectively decrease bacterium levels and delay symptoms for a few weeks. However, this option is pricey and requires an annual reapplication. If you’re seriously contemplating injections for a beloved tree specimen, be sure to consult a certified arborist first.
Seek Help From the Tree Professionals in Pennsylvania
Is bacterial leaf scorch contagious year-round? Yes. And since the premature browning of leaves can have multiple causes, it helps to reach out to a certified arborist for advice or a full assessment of your trees.
Rick’s PHC Certified Arborists is highly proficient at diagnosing bacterial leaf scorch and helping manage it. So, call 610-840-2655 to give your trees the best chance of a full recovery!
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