What Is Root Rot And How Do I Treat It?

Root rot is a virus that strikes the roots of trees growing in damp or wet soil. This rotting disease can make life short of any tree or plant type. It has symptoms similar to other trees’ pest problems and conditions including early leaf drop, branch dieback, weak growth, and wilted leaves. It can also be fatal, so what is root rot and how do I treat it?

Root Rot – Causes

There are two reasons for root rot, but the main reason is terrible over-watered or drained soils. These wet conditions stop roots from taking in all the oxygen they need to survive. As the oxygen-starved roots rot and die, their decay spreads to healthy roots, even when the wet conditions have been corrected.

Declining roots are more vulnerable to soil fungus, which is another reason for root rot. The mold might be present but inactive in the soil for a long time. When the soil gets waterlogged, the spores spring to life and damage the roots, making them decompose and die.

Root Rot – Symptoms

Many root rot symptoms emulate symptoms of a pest infestation, which makes it difficult to diagnose correctly. Root rot symptoms are more uncomplicated to see above ground.

• Stunted or poor growth
• Canopy Thinning
• Branch dieback
• Fast decline with no apparent reason
• Browned, yellowed, or wilted leaves

On some species, the fungus comes up from the roots in the bark and creates sunken areas or cankers.

The most truthful way to diagnose this decomposing virus is to dig underground to see if rotting is happening. A good deal of care must be used when doing this so as not to bring more damage to the tree.

Root Rot – How to Treat

Tree root diseases are best managed by prevention. If you want to plant new trees, pick disease-resistant tree types. Also, only plant your tree in soil that has been drained correctly and don’t over-water your tree.

Sometimes, slightly affected trees can be saved in the early stages with cutting out the diseased roots. Make sure to always sanitize your tools before using them again. If a tree is badly infected, the best way to stop it from spreading the disease to healthier trees is to get a tree removal service.