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What’s Wrong with My Shrub or Tree? Common Symptoms in Memphis, TN & MS

If you’re experiencing any sort of signs of a tree or shrub problem you might be wondering “What’s wrong with my tree or shrub?” After all, your shrubs and trees are a valuable part of your landscape. They are more than just a monetary investment. They also provide value in the form of shade, privacy, and beauty—and you recognize that they can’t be easily replaced. 

That’s why the last thing that you want is to see is your shrubs and trees succumb to a problem—especially if it’s something that could be fixed.

Whether it’s one or more issues that your shrubs or trees are experiencing, the first step is figuring out what’s going on. It’s going to take some investigating to get to the bottom of it.

Sick Shrub & Tree Symptoms

There are actually quite a few signs of a sick shrub/tree. Looking at some sick shrub or tree pictures, you can see that there are a number of different symptoms that can arise when a plant is unhealthy. 

leaf with leaf spot disease

Let’s take a look at some of the potential sick tree and shrub symptoms that you may see.

  • Sticky substances
  • Discoloration
  • Stem dieback
  • Thinning canopy/foliage
  • Lesions, blisters, or “scabs”
  • Root rot
  • Overall tree or shrub decline

Your shrub or tree may even be experiencing more than one of these symptoms at the same time. It’s important to take note of what symptoms you notice and when they started (or at least, when you started noticing them). Even if it appears like your shrub or tree got sick overnight, chances are, this has been a developing problem for quite some time. You just may not have noticed symptoms until they became severe. 

Shrub with powdery mildew

Try to think back to any other time you might have noticed something wasn’t right. This will be helpful information for your tree and shrub care expert to utilize in making a proper diagnosis.

What are the Causes for Sick Trees & Shrubs?

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms described above, then you’re likely anxious to figure out what’s wrong. The truth is, it could be any number of issues. There are quite a few havoc-wreaking tree and shrub problems out there. Your shrubs and trees might be experiencing a pest or disease problem or maybe even a fertility concern—or some other sort of environmental stressor. 

Apple tree with blight disease

Quite often, there are actually multiple problems occurring at once.

Without a thorough evaluation of your tree or shrub, performed by a trained professional, it’s impossible to say what’s causing your sick tree and shrub symptoms. Many symptoms even mimic one another. For example, yellowing could be caused by a disease, pest, or an environmental problem. That’s why it’s such a complex issue.

The Importance of a Proper Diagnosis

Technician performing tree disease diagnosisAll of these factors point to the importance of a proper diagnosis. This makes it essential that a true tree and shrub care expert, who understands different tree and shrub species, is the one evaluating your plants. Ultimately, the proper diagnosis is the key to a successful solution.

Unfortunately, there are plenty of lawn care companies out there that do not know much about shrub or tree identification and proper diagnosis. This is an area that can be complicated. Some of the lawn care companies offering tree services really don’t know the difference from one issue to another. They may just apply the same treatments and solutions to all trees, rather than taking a customized approach.

Finding the Right Professional with the Right Solutions

Instead of working with a company that is not equipped to handle your shrub tree problems, making the choice to work with a company like Master Lawn will help ensure that a proper tree diagnosis is made (and the proper solutions are put into place). 

In addition to curative treatments for existing problems, we also offer a Plant Health Care program that would substantially reduce the risk of your trees and shrubs dying from preventable problems that they encounter. Plant Health Care provides your plants with vital nutrients they need to thrive while also protecting them against pests and disease.

plant health care technician spraying shrubs

At the end of the day, helping protect your trees and shrubs against these types of problems is a valuable investment. By choosing Master Lawn, you can feel confident that your concerns will be properly addressed and you’ll be on your way to getting the answers—and solutions—you’re looking for.

Want to invest in protecting your Memphis, TN and Northern Mississippi landscape? Request a quote, get your customized plan, and become the master of your landscape.

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Image sources: leaf spot, powdery mildew, blight

Michael Hatcher

Michael Hatcher is president of Michael Hatcher & Associates.

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