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!

Read the Recent Customer Reviews for Abundant Tree Care Services in De Soto, IL!

By Abundant Tree Care Services • May 18, 2025
At Abundant Tree Care Services, we’re proud members of the local small business community. We strive to earn our customers’ complete satisfaction by doing expert tree work at fair rates. Whether you need tree removal, stump grinding, or pruning, our local arborists will work diligently to complete the job to the highest standards. And we appreciate it when our customers offer feedback about their experiences with us. Here’s a look at some of our recent customer reviews. “Had a 15 ft cedar tree next to my house that started to lean/fall from weather and was a risk so I called these guys up & they arrived in about an hour & had it down in even less time. Pricing was good for the work done. If needed I'll definitely call these guys again.” — Brett R. “Abundant Tree Care Service was able to get to our needs quickly and did an excellent job. He ground out a large stump and smoothed the dirt, making the whole area look great. Highly recommend.” — Brenda G. “Abundant Tree Care recently did some tree work for me. They cut down a dead tree, cleaned up some damaged trees, and removed many branches from my yard. I would highly recommend them for any tree work you might need done. They were excellent!!” — Jo Ann W. “Very professional, quality work and all of the guys were extremely nice. I would definitely use Abundant Tree service again!! I highly recommend this business.” —Shellie D. “We have had a few other tree services out over the years and these guys are absolutely the most professional and still competitively priced. The cleanup after was impeccable, they were careful not to destroy our yard even with the ridiculous amount of rain we had (a difficult feat), and every guy on the crew was polite and professional. We had a complicated job with an 80+ ft pine leaning over a 2 story garage. It was obvious they took a lot of care to avoid any additional damage to the structure. I cannot recommend them enough.” — Shelby W. 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 Indications that Your Tree Is a Safety Hazard

By Abundant Tree Care Services • April 16, 2025
Healthy trees provide beauty and environmental benefits, but when they become compromised, they can pose significant risks. A hazardous tree can cause property damage and serious injuries. At Abundant Tree Care Services, our local arborists can identify and safely remove dangerous trees. Here are five signs that your tree might be a safety hazard. Cracks or Splits in the Trunk Cracks and splits in the trunk can weaken a tree’s structural integrity, making it more likely to fall. Deep fissures or multiple cracks may indicate internal decay or previous storm damage. If a tree has a significant crack, it may be unstable and prone to collapse. The arborist can assess the extent of the damage and recommend the best course of action. Leaning with Exposed Roots A tree that is leaning significantly, particularly if it has recently changed position, is a major red flag. Leaning trees often have compromised root systems, especially if you notice exposed or damaged roots near the base. Soil erosion, storms, or root disease can contribute to instability. If your tree has started tilting and the roots appear disrupted, it may be at risk of toppling over. Dead/Dying Branches If you notice large branches that are dead or dying, your tree may be in trouble. Dead limbs can break off unexpectedly, especially during storms or high winds, creating a serious hazard for people, vehicles, and structures nearby. If your tree has a significant number of dead branches, it may be time for professional evaluation to determine if pruning or removal is necessary. Signs of Fungal Growth or Decay The presence of fungal growth at the base of a tree can indicate internal decay. Fungi feed on rotting wood, which means the tree’s internal structure may be compromised. Hollow or soft spots in the trunk can also suggest decay, reducing the tree’s ability to withstand storms and high winds. A tree with significant decay should be evaluated to determine whether it poses a risk. Nearby Structures Are at Risk Even if a tree appears healthy, its location can make it a hazard. Trees that are too close to buildings or power lines can create safety issues. Branches that extend over roofs or utility lines can break off and cause damage. If your tree is encroaching on a structure or utility line, professional trimming or removal may be necessary. 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!