My Tree Branch Tips Are Dead

Anthracnose

• Tree branch tips may die if they are subjected to infestation by any of a number of diseases collectively known as anthracnose. Also called shoot or twig blight disease, the specific fungus depends on the species of tree in question. All of the pathogens produce anthracnose symptoms in the form of sunken, dark lesions on the twigs, tips, leaves and fruit of an infected tree. Anthracnose fungi require water to spread and infect; they will not become active in dry conditions.

Twig Blight Disease

• Cankers -- in the form of sunken, diseased areas surrounded by callused tissue -- form on some trees attacked by twig blight disease. These cankers prevent water and nutrition from reaching the tips of tree branches, making them likely to die. If anthracnose fails to materialize annually and the tips therefore are not killed each year, then this twig and tip blight disease is unlikely to kill the tree. Alternately, a yearly attack could prove fatal.

Anthracnose Management

• Once tree branch tips are dead, anthracnose cannot be effectively controlled that year. Gardeners should focus on preventing a recurrence of anthracnose the following season by removing infected leaves and twigs that have fallen to the ground and pruning away all diseased tips and branches. This step is crucial since the fungi overwinter in these materials and return to life the following spring. Additional pruning must be conducted during the winter to improve air circulation and allow the tree to more easily dry out in the spring.

Diagnosis

• Many insects and diseases affect only certain types of trees and the manner in which to manage these issues is equally distinct. Generally speaking, a variety of other fungi cause root rot diseases that affect many trees and literally rot away the root system, denying water to the far extremities of the tree. Weather can also play a role in the form of drought or harsh winter conditions. Additionally, some trees may simply be planted in the wrong type of soil or not be hardy to that particular growing zone.