This publication discusses the environmental requirements of needle diseases, their potential impact on tree vigor, when disease levels signal a problem, and what you can do to minimize damage.
Tree wounding can lead to decay in roots, stems, and branches of
trees. Wood decay is caused by various species of fungi that enter
trees through wounds or small branches.
Root disease fungi attack and destroy the tree’s root system, resulting in growth loss, decay, death, or wind throw of infected trees. Trees with root disease also are more susceptible to pests, especially bark beetles. On the other hand, root diseases are a component of the forest ecosystem and play...
For the past ten years, Douglas-fir on the Oregon and Washington coast has shown a progressive decrease in height and diameter increment as a result of Swiss needle cast, which is caused by Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii. In this contribution, we discuss the effects of silvicultural operations on Swiss needle cast and...