Bacterial Leaf Scorch Control & Treatment in Springfield, MO

Trees Most Commonly at Risk of Bacterial Leaf Scorch

In order to take timely action, it’s helpful to note that some species are more vulnerable to bacterial leaf scorch than others. In Springfield, MO, the trees most commonly affected include:

• Red oak
• Pin oak
• Sycamore
• Elm
• Sweetgum
• Red maple
• Sugar maple

Other species, such as hackberry, mulberry, and even some shrubs, can also fall victim to the disease. If you’re not sure whether you should be concerned about BLS, our certified arborists can conduct a thorough evaluation to identify the trees most at risk on your property.

Bacterial Leaf Scorch Symptoms

How do you know your tree is being affected by bacterial leaf scorch? One of the tell-tale signs of this disease is when your tree starts the summer season with vibrant green leaves, only to have the tips and edges of the leaves begin to turn brown halfway through the season. Many people mistake this problem as drought stress or natural aging until the tree begins to show other symptoms.

Make sure you’re able to take action in a timely manner and protect your beloved trees by recognizing the symptoms of bacterial leaf scorch tree disease:

• Browning and yellowing of the edges of leaves (typically starting in mid-summer and progressing through fall)
• Premature leaf drop
• Stunted growth or thin canopy
• Progressive decline over several seasons

Because these symptoms can easily be mistaken for other tree health issues or diseases, such as Dutch elm disease or oak wilt, you will need to have the affected tree properly diagnosed. We can help confirm the presence of Xylella fastidiosa and then formulate a treatment plan.

Our Bacterial Leaf Scorch Treatment in Springfield, MO

Since there is no cure for the disease, treatment for bacterial leaf scorch focuses on managing the symptoms and slowing the infection’s progression. Our certified arborists at All About Trees use advanced trunk injections designed to reduce bacterial populations and preserve tree health. During a treatment appointment, we will inject the tree with a bactericide that targets the plant’s vascular system. As it circulates throughout the canopy, the antibiotics delay the spread of the disease and allow you to enjoy several more years with your favorite plant. For the best results, we recommend annual treatments. 

In addition to trunk injections, we often incorporate supplemental care to boost the tree’s overall health. This includes proper mulching, deep-root fertilization to improve nutrient uptake, and insecticide treatments to control leafhoppers and other insects that spread the disease. By combining these approaches, we can develop a comprehensive bacterial leaf scorch control strategy tailored to your landscape.

Strategies for Preventing Bacterial Leaf Scorch Tree Disease

While there’s no guaranteed way to eliminate the risk of bacterial leaf scorch, proactive care goes a long way in reducing your trees’ susceptibility. Our team at All About Trees encourages both homeowners and commercial property managers in Springfield, MO, to take preventive care seriously. After all, the healthier your trees are, the more resistant they’ll be to stressors and pathogens like Xylella fastidiosa.

Maintain Tree Health With Regular Pruning and Care

Routine maintenance is the key to preventing many diseases, including bacterial leaf scorch. For example, pruning helps remove dead or diseased limbs and reduces overall stress on the tree. By promoting healthy growth and eliminating entry points for infection, regular pruning can make a substantial difference. Combining this with mulching and consistent watering ensures your tree receives the nutrients and hydration it needs to thrive, especially during the hot summers in Springfield.

Monitor and Control Pests

Since bacterial leaf scorch spreads through insects like leafhoppers and spittlebugs, pest control is an important prevention strategy. As part of your bacterial leaf scorch control plan in Springfield, MO, our arborists will selectively and strategically use insecticides to minimize harmful populations.

Schedule Routine Tree Inspections

At All About Trees, we offer routine tree health inspections to assess the condition of your landscape and identify early warning signs of disease or stress. Our ISA-certified arborists can spot potential issues before they become major problems and tailor recommendations to suit your specific tree species and soil conditions.

Choose Resistant Tree Species When Planting

If you’re planning to add new trees to your landscape, consider choosing varieties that are less susceptible to bacterial leaf scorch. Some species show greater resistance to the bacterium, reducing the likelihood of future problems.

Remove Severely Infected Trees

While our goal is always to preserve and protect trees, sometimes removal is the most effective way to prevent the spread of bacterial leaf scorch. If a tree is severely infected and no longer responding to treatment, our team will assess the situation and offer professional guidance on whether tree removal is the right course of action.