Top Signs of Tree Disease and How to Treat Them

Abundant Tree Care Services • January 13, 2025
Looking up at a tree with lots of green leaves against a blue sky.

Trees are a vital part of our southern Illinois landscape, offering shade, beauty, and environmental benefits. However, tree diseases can jeopardize their health and pose risks to your property. Recognizing the early signs of tree disease and addressing them promptly is key to preserving your trees and landscape. Here are some common indicators of tree disease and how Abundant Tree Care Services can help.


Discolored or Wilting Leaves

If you notice leaves turning yellow, brown, or black out of season, your tree may be battling a fungal or bacterial infection. Wilting leaves that drop prematurely are another red flag. Diseases such as anthracnose or leaf spot are common in our region and thrive in humid conditions. Regular tree inspections and targeted treatments can help halt the spread of these diseases.


Dead or Dying Branches

Dead branches, especially in the crown, may indicate canker diseases or root rot. Not only do these branches weaken the tree, but they also increase the risk of property damage. Professional pruning and disease management can save the tree and eliminate safety hazards.


Fungal Growth or Mushrooms

Mushrooms growing near the base of a tree often point to root rot or internal decay. These diseases can weaken the tree’s structural integrity, making it prone to falling. Our team can assess the extent of the damage and recommend solutions such as root zone aeration or, in severe cases, tree removal.


Cracks or Cankers on the Trunk

Open wounds, splits, or sunken areas (cankers) on the trunk may result from bacterial or fungal infections. Left untreated, these cankers can spread and compromise the tree’s health. Proper wound care and disease-resistant treatments are essential to stop further damage.


Treating Tree Diseases in Southern Illinois

Abundant Tree Care Services specializes in diagnosing and treating tree diseases to protect your landscape. Our certified arborists in De Soto, IL use proven techniques to restore tree health. If you suspect a tree on your property is diseased, give our local tree care company a call at 618-227-2881 to request a tree health inspection in southern Illinois. Together, we can keep your trees healthy!

Why It’s Important to Have an Arborist Promptly Remove Dead Trees from Your Property

By Abundant Tree Care Services • October 20, 2025
A dead tree may not look like it’s creating an imminent hazard, but it can pose serious risks to your property, your safety, and the surrounding landscape. Once a tree dies, it begins to decay, weakening its structure and making it more susceptible to breaking or falling. While it might be tempting to leave it alone, delaying removal can lead to costly and dangerous consequences. Hiring a professional arborist to remove dead trees ensures the job is done safely and effectively. At Abundant Tree Care Services, our local arborists can identify and safely remove dead trees. Here’s a look at five reasons why prompt dead tree removal by an arborist is so important. Prevents Property Damage Dead trees lose their structural integrity over time, making them more likely to collapse during storms, high winds, or simply under their own weight. Falling branches or entire trees can cause severe damage to homes, fences, vehicles, and power lines. An arborist can safely remove the dead tree before it becomes a worsening hazard. Protects Against Pest Infestations Dead trees often attract pests like termites, carpenter ants, and bark beetles that feed on decaying wood. These insects can multiply and spread to nearby healthy trees or even move into your home’s wooden structures. By removing dead trees promptly, you eliminate a major source of infestation and help protect your property from long-term pest damage. Reduces Safety Risks A dead tree is unpredictable and can become a serious safety hazard. Large limbs can break off unexpectedly, posing a danger to anyone walking or playing nearby. An arborist has the tools and expertise to safely dismantle and remove the tree, reducing the risk of injury to your family. Prevents Disease from Spreading Many trees die as a result of disease or fungal infections. If left standing, a dead tree may spread pathogens to other trees in your yard. Professional arborists can take proper measures to contain and remove it safely, helping preserve the health of your remaining landscape. Improves Curb Appeal Dead trees can be an eyesore, detracting from the beauty and value of your property. Removing them creates space for new, healthy trees and helps maintain a well-cared-for appearance. Tree Removal in De Soto, IL For expert arborist services in De Soto , Carbondale, and Southern Illinois, contact Abundant Tree Care Services at  618-227-2881  . Feel free to give us a call to ask for an estimate!

5 Reasons to Eliminate Stumps When Cutting Down Trees

By Abundant Tree Care Services • September 19, 2025
When trees are professionally cut down, many homeowners focus only on the removal of the trunk and branches, leaving behind the stump. At first glance, a stump may not seem like much of a problem, but over time it can create both practical and aesthetic challenges. Removing the stump along with the tree not only improves the look of your yard, but also helps avoid hidden issues that can surface later. At Abundant Tree Care Services, our local arborists provide expert stump grinding and removal in the greater De Soto, IL area. Here are five reasons why eliminating stumps is the smartest choice when having trees cut down. Prevents Regrowth Tree stumps may look lifeless, but in many cases, they can sprout new shoots and attempt to regrow. This regrowth can create clusters of small, weak trees that are unattractive and difficult to control. Even if you cut these shoots down repeatedly, they can continue to return as long as the stump and roots remain intact. Professional stump removal eliminates the chance of the tree coming back and saves you from ongoing yard maintenance. Improves Safety A tree stump can be a tripping hazard, especially if it’s in an area where children play or people walk regularly. They can also pose risks when mowing the lawn, as hidden stumps can damage equipment or cause accidents. By removing the stump completely, you reduce the chance of injury and create a safer outdoor environment. Enhances Curb Appeal A leftover stump can make even a well-maintained yard appear somewhat neglected. Stumps draw unwanted attention and detract from your home’s landscaping design. Eliminating them helps restore the natural beauty of your property, giving you a smooth, clean surface that can be replanted or redesigned as part of your landscape. Prevents Pest Problems Decaying tree stumps can attract unwanted pests such as termites, carpenter ants, beetles, and other wood-boring insects. These pests often move from the stump to nearby plants or even your home, causing extensive damage over time. Removing the stump eliminates this potential breeding ground and helps protect your property from infestations. Creates More Usable Space Every stump left behind takes up valuable yard space that could otherwise be put to better use. Whether you want to install a garden bed or simply enjoy more lawn, removing stumps gives you more flexibility with your landscaping plans. Stump Grinding & Removal in De Soto, IL For expert arborist services in De Soto , Carbondale, and Southern Illinois, contact Abundant Tree Care Services at  618-227-2881  . Feel free to give us a call to ask for an estimate!