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Phytophthora Root Rot Disease

Phytophthora Root Rot Disease

Trees, shrubs, and plants can become victims to a host of insect and disease infestations. In places with…

Jul 29,2021

Phytophthora Root Rot Disease

Trees, shrubs, and plants can become victims to a host of insect and disease infestations. In places with such heat and humidity as Georgia, they are even more susceptible to fungi such as Phytophthora. If you have never heard of Phytophthora root rot disease, then sit back and skim through this quick-read article brought to you by Sesmas Tree Service. If you determine that your plants, shrubs, or trees are suffering from such a disease, then give us a call to schedule a consultation or treatment. We are happy to take your call at any time of the day. Without further delay, here is a quick run-down of Phytophthora, its effects, and treatment methods.

Phytophthora Root Rot Disease

What is Phytophthora Root Rot Disease?

Phytophthora is Greek for “plant destroyer.” The name is fitting for this soil-borne fungal disease which causes seed rots, pre- and post-emergence damping off of seedlings, and stem rot of plants.
Phytophthora species are microscopic organisms that primarily thrive in heavy or waterlogged soils and spread through splashing rain, irrigation water, and runoff water. They can spread through contaminated soil and gardening tools and equipment as well. Susceptible tree and shrubs species include, but are not limited to:

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Symptoms

Though there are above-ground symptoms that you can catch with the naked eye, these signs do not develop until the root decay is in its advanced stages. Such symptoms include wilting, yellowing or sparse foliage, and branch dieback. These symptoms will get progressively worse until the plant dies. For example, the foliage of infected conifers will fade from a vibrant to a dull green, eventually dimming out at brown.

Because the Phytophthora species are microscopic, there will be no evidence of the pathogen itself. Below-ground examination of the roots, however, will reveal a poor root system. The fine, feeder roots will have rotted and even the larger roots can turn brown or black internally. These roots will be softer than usual and break easily.

As you may have concluded, these symptoms are common in a number of diseases. Even waterlogged soils cause such results. Therefore, you may need laboratory examinations to determine whether root decay is due to Phytophthora root rot.

Treatment and Control

Customer Reviews

3 large Leyland Cypress trees removed near front of our home. Excellent service, professional crew, very competitive pricing for superior work! Rolando provided the initial estimate and the  follow up and was the best in terms of customer relations. I'd both use this company again AND highly recommend them.

Susan Hitchcock

This is the 2nd time we have used Sesmas Tree Service. They are a wonderful company to deal with. They were on time, professional, and very thorough. They cleaned up prior to leaving and went out of their way to protect our plants and landscaping. And they kept to their proposal with no hidden cost or add ons. Definitely a five star experience!

Gene McFadden

Wow!  I deal with tree services in my professional work and I can honestly say Sesmas is by far the most professional, best equipped, efficient, safety conscious, and communicative service I've ever encountered.  Their price was very reasonable and they even went so far as to include additional work without increasing the price.  Call them!  Now! They are very quick to respond.

Scott McLendon

We've used Sesmas several times and have always received excellent service.  Estimates are quick and easy and the crew is efficient and leaves the property clean of debris.  Recently we needed a tree removed next to a heavily landscaped area.  Sebastian went over everything with me in detail and listened to my concerns.  The crew did an excellent job in removing the tree with minimal disturbance to the surrounding area.  We are pleased and will consider them again in the future for pruning and tree removal.

Tonia Griswold

Sesmas Tree Service was amazing! I had two dead trees cut and a lot of trees that were already down on my property removed. Sebastian came out and sent the quote in writing within 24 hours. We were in the process of scheduling the service when a slot opened up sooner snd I was able to go ahead and get the work done. Everything was explained ahead of time for what to expect. The crew was very efficient and professional.  All of the work and cleanup was done in one day. I would recommend Sesmas for your tree cutting/cleanup needs.

LaDora Woods

I hired Sesmas to cut down a very tricky tree that was hanging over my house as well as a few large limbs. They did a great job and had the machinery to get the job done right.

Perry Hartman

Great experience with Sesmas. They were meticulous with my tree removal, safe and efficient. David’s communication throughout the process was much appreciated. Highly recommend!

Lindsay Ellenburg

Great experience with Sesmas Tree Service. The arborist who came out was a Board Certified Master Arborist, and you could immediately tell he knew his stuff. He took the time to explain what needed to be done, gave us clear options, and helped us feel confident from start to finish. The whole process was easy and professional. We’ll definitely use them again.

Ed Martin

Plants with later stages of Phytophthora root rot are unlikely to recover, but those exhibiting early stages may respond to soil treatments with systemic fungicides and cultural practices. Thus, preventative management is the best course of action.

Plant trees and shrubs that are tolerant to Phytophthora root rot and separate plants, shrubs, and trees according to their irrigation needs, with the goal of avoiding overwatering. You want to also improve water drainage to prevent pooling of water around the collar or root system. To this end, raise the planting site on mounds of soil.

Get Experienced Assistance

If you prefer to have an ISA-certified arborist take a look at your potentially infected plants, then call Sesmas Tree Service to speak with a live representative. We are happy to provide a consultation, schedule an appointment, or arrange an urgent dispatch.

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