Tree disease and infection is a near unpredictable and frustrating thing. When looking to understand the basics of prevention and management in relation to these issues, knowing the different types of causes and risks that contribute to them is essential.
The numerous causes behind the interruption of tree development can be partitioned into two main categories, living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) factors. It’s important to note that more than one of these factors can influence the health of a tree ata time.
A distinction can also be made between primary pests, which to a more serious extent, influence the immediate survival of a tree, and secondary pests, which have a less significant influence on the survival of a tree, and usually influence trees previously debilitated by another risk factor.
The chances of tree infestation are usually increased by a past debilitating issue in regard to the individual tree's circumstances.
This is usually through preexisting issues or management practices that compromise the tree's development, and bring down its resistance to infection.
One of the most common predisposing factors to compromised tree infection defense is poor management in planting. Trees that become pot-bound as saplings do not develop a solid root system and thusly develop ineffectively when planted.
Stresses and other outer factors also have an undoubtedly significant part in the wellbeing or condition of trees, as do poor soil quality and drainage.
Biotic Influences
Some infestations are moreeasily noticed than others, as they may be easier to see. Insects are frequently found on trees, and many are regular feeders and pose little risk to the survival of a tree.
Fungi are often seen on dead and rotted natural matter, yet they are usually notthe immediate driver of negative manifestations noticed in a tree's development.
Most growths found on trees are saprobic (living on dead or rotting tissue) and a much lesser amount are pathogenic. A few other living infestations effect trees, including mosses, lichens and epiphytes, however these rarely affect tree wellbeing.
Common Biotic Influences of Trees:
- Fungi
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Phytoplasmas
- Insects
- Mites
- Parasitic Pants
- Weeds
- Animals like deer and rodents
Abiotic Influences
The impacts of poor soil quality and unfriendly growth conditions can greatly relate to the overall health of trees, and can put trees at risk of contracting numerous biotic issues.
Ineffective nutrient absorption produces the risks of acquiring problems such as infection, sickness and infestations through the insufficient development of the tree's natural defenses and resistances.
Factors like fire damage may also debilitate trees and make them more helpless to biotic assault.
When poor development conditions have had longer term effects on the wellbeing and growth of a tree, an assessment of growth rings can assist in uncovering its circumstantial predispositions.
From variables like prolonged dry spells to extensive cold, there are many outer and nonliving factors that can influence the health of a tree, and predispose it to biotic infestation.
Common Abiotic Influences of Trees:
- Chemicals
- Mechanical agents
- Soil conditions
- Water
- Weather
While there are many risks that can be posed to trees, knowing the basics of the subject is important, and can greatly assist in understanding fundamentals of prevention. If ever concerned or confused about any changes in your tree’s development, it is pivotal to contact a qualified arborist for their professional opinion.
