Armillaria root rot appears throughout tropical and temperate parts of the world, including just about every state in the U.S. In the Bay Area, there are many species of trees and other plants that fall victim to this disease each year.
As with many other tree diseases, fungi are the culprit here. They function as saprophytes on the bark of the trees, and in the process of stealing nutrients, they limit the growth of trees, cause wood to rot, and ultimately kill the tree. Trees that have already suffered from other diseases are especially vulnerable.
If you notice mushrooms near the base of your tree, or a yellowing and browning of the foliage (in the case of coniferous trees), then your tree may have armillaria. Branches will start to die off, and you won’t see as much growth in the forms of new foliage or shoots. These symptoms will develop over the course of several years before the trees die. The western larch and Douglas fir drop an abnormally large group of cones, called stress cones, not long before they succumb to the disease.
We have dealt with many cases of armillaria in the Bay Area, and we have a full arsenal of chemical treatments which can ease the infection. We apply the fumigants near the base of infected stems. We also inspect your yard for other infected stumps and root systems that may be susceptible.
If you are not certain whether or not your tree has armillaria plaguing its roots, give one of our arborists a call sooner than later. Applying fumigants while the infection is still fairly new can make the difference and save your tree. We will come out and give you a free evaluation of your yard and the various ways our services can help you. The longer you wait, the longer those diseases have to harm your trees. Call today!