Western Cottonwood Tree Diseases

Guide to Western Cottonwood Tree Health in Arizona’s Key Cities



Common Western Cottonwood Diseases 

  • Leaf Rust: Caused by a fungus, it results in orange, powdery spots on leaves and can cause premature leaf drop. 
  • Bacterial Wetwood (Slime Flux): A bacterial infection causing foul-smelling ooze and bark discoloration. Can weaken the tree over time. 
  • Canker Diseases: Various fungal diseases creating sunken areas or wounds on branches and the trunk. These can compromise structural integrity. 
  • Powdery Mildew: A white, powdery fungus covering leaves, more of a cosmetic issue than a serious threat to the tree’s health. 
  • Prevention: 
  • Select disease-resistant cottonwood varieties if planting new trees. 
  • Maintain tree health with proper watering, pruning, and fertilization. Healthy trees are better equipped to fight off infections. 
  • Rake up and dispose of fallen leaves to reduce fungal spore sources. 
  • Treatment: 
  • Fungicides: May be effective against leaf rust and powdery mildew. Consulting a Tree Disease Expert is best for timing and product selection. 
  • Wound Care: Proper pruning and sealing of cankers can help, but severe cases may necessitate tree removal. 
  • Bacterial Wetwood: Treatment is difficult. Focus on maintaining the tree’s overall health. 

Local Resources 

  • Warners Tree Surgery: (480)969-8808 They specialize in tree health and could offer diagnosis and treatment options. 
  • USDA(.gov) https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/volume_2/populus/deltoides.htm 
  • University of Arizona Cooperative Extension (Maricopa County): May provide further information and resources specific to cottonwood diseases in your area: https://extension.arizona.edu/maricopa 

Important Note: Proper diagnosis is critical before treatment. Always consult a Tree Disease Professional for a comprehensive assessment of your cottonwood’s health and the best course of action. 

* Warners Tree Surgery is a Mesa, Arizona (Based) “Family Business”. Our Tree Disease Expert, Warner, is available to help you with your Sick Trees if you live within a 30-mile radius of Mesa. Warner Working, Our Tree Doctor, cares for Many Different Species of Trees in and around the cities of Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Sun Lakes, and Scottsdale. If You are in need of a Tree Disease Professional with Over 50 Years of Knowledge and Experience, then Call “Warners Tree Surgery”. Our Number Is: (480) 969-8808 For More Information/Videos Visit Our Websites https://warnerstreesurgery.com/ Or https://mesatreedoctors.com/ 
 

#dyingwhiteleaves #yellowsaponbark  


Please Visit Our Other Pages


Call us at (480) 969-8808

Check out our blog posts.