Diseases
Anthracnose
Foliar Irregular brown blotches follow leaf veins; most severe after prolonged cool and rainy spring weather
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On this page
What is it?
Signs & symptoms
What causes it
Trees affected
When to act
How we help
Prevention tips
FAQs
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Overview
What is Anthracnose?
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects a wide range of shade trees. It is often most noticeable in spring, especially during cool, wet weather, when new leaves and tender shoots are most vulnerable. The disease can vary by host species, but it commonly shows up as blotches, lesions, curling, and distorted new growth. In severe cases, it can lead to significant defoliation.
When you'll see it in Michigan
Jan
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Overview
Common signs & symptoms
Check each one you're seeing on your tree — your match strength updates below.
Root Cause
What causes Anthracnose?
Anthracnose is favored by cool, wet spring conditions. Spores spread to emerging buds and young leaves, where infection begins early in the season. Trees under stress may appear to suffer more, and properties with a history of wet spring disease pressure may see recurring symptoms. Because other issues can mimic leaf damage, it is important to confirm the cause before deciding on treatment.
Plants at Risk
Trees commonly affected
Anthracnose can affect several tree species, including ash, birch, dogwood, elm, hickory, linden, maple, oak, sycamore, and walnut. Severity varies by species, weather, and the overall vigor of the tree.
Walnut
Red Flags
When Should You Act?
Mild anthracnose damage may look dramatic but not always threaten a mature, otherwise healthy tree. Still, repeated infection, heavy defoliation, or visible twig dieback should not be ignored. If the problem seems to be spreading, returning every spring, or weakening the tree’s canopy, My Arborist can evaluate the extent of the issue and recommend next steps.
Our Approach
How My Arborist helps
My Arborist evaluates the symptoms, the host tree, and the timing of the damage to determine whether anthracnose is the likely culprit. If treatment is warranted, our ISA Certified Arborists can build a plan that may include targeted disease-control applications, pruning recommendations, and plant health support to help reduce overall susceptibility.
01
Disease evaluation
Confirm the diagnosis before treating
02
Targeted disease control
Timed fungicide applications when warranted
03
Pruning recommendations
Remove infected twigs to reduce spread
04
Plant health support
Improve vigor and reduce susceptibility
Stay Ahead
Prevention tips
Prune out infected twigs when appropriate
Support tree vigor with proper watering during drought
Monitor closely during cool, wet springs
Do not assume all spring leaf damage is harmless without evaluation
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
Does anthracnose kill trees?
Anthracnose does not usually kill a mature, established tree by itself, but repeat defoliation and added stress can weaken the tree over time.
Why does anthracnose seem worse in some years?
Cool, wet spring weather often makes the disease much more active and noticeable.
Will the tree leaf back out after anthracnose?
Some trees do produce a second flush of leaves, but repeated stress can still affect vigor and appearance.
Can anthracnose be treated?
Yes. Treatment depends on the host tree, timing, and severity, and it usually works best when planned early.
Keep Exploring
Related tree diseases
Powdery Mildew
White fungal coating on leaves
Oak Wilt
Leaves brown from the margins inward
Needle Cast
Evergreen Needle Disease
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