Tree Disease

Oak Wilt and Dutch Elm Disease are prevalent in Minnesota but can be prevented and treatment may be an option. If you suspect Oak Wilt or other disease or insect problems on your property, we can work to stop it from spreading and eliminate it.

Root Plowing and Injecting are options for treating Oak Wilt, along with sanitation of area. Red Oaks must be treated before they are infected. White Oaks can be treated in the early stages of Oak Wilt. Contact Pioneer Tree Service with your tree concerns and see what your options are.

Dutch Elm Disease (DED) causes wilt and death in all elm tree species in Minnesota. Dutch Elm Disease is caused by an invasive fungal pathogen and can spread from tree to tree via the roots and by elm bark beetles as the feed on a tree’s bark. If caught early, fungicide injections and the pruning of branches infected with DED can help to protect elm trees.

There are many boring insects attracted to various trees, especially trees already under stress. Boring insects lay their eggs under the tree bark and their larvae feed on the interior of the tree until mature and then bore their way out through the bark as adults to start the cycle over again. The boring leaves telltale signs – exit holes. The feeding under the bark causes the real damage and will kill your tree over time.

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is probably the most familiar but there are other borers specific to Oaks, Birch, Pines and more. Emerald Ash Borer has been found in ash trees throughout Anoka, Mille Lacs, Isanti and Sherburne counties in Minnesota. If EAB is caught very early, treatments are available that can save the infected tree. Otherwise, infected ash trees need to be removed and properly disposed of to prevent EAB’s spread to healthy ash trees.

The University of Minnesota Extension has extensive information on Emerald Ash Borer on their website.

There are options when deciding to treat your trees for insects or other tree diseases. In general:

• Insecticide can effectively protect trees from insect damage.
• Trees showing signs of insect damage can be treated and should be treated if:
  • you want to save the tree.
  • the damage done is not too extensive.
• Pioneer Tree Service maintains MN licensure to apply insecticide and fungicide products to your trees.
• Pioneer Tree Service offers solutions to improve the health of your trees and their growing conditions.

If your yard has dying ash, oak, elm or other trees, please make sure to contact a tree services company with ISA Certified Arborists and MN Certified Pesticide Applicators that are properly licensed to apply any treatment to your trees to ensure that you get the best results.