What Is Wrong With My Tulip Poplar Trees?

Identification

• Declining tulip poplar trees are likely to be suffering from Armillaria root root, also known as shoestring disease, caused by Armillaria mellea, and verticillium wilt, caused by Verticillium species. Fungi responsible for both diseases infect and enter the tree through the roots.

Damage

• The Armillaria fungus starts to rot the cambial, or water-conducting, plant tissues. Major tree roots and the lower trunk are the first to die. Early visible symptoms include stunted and discolored foliage growth accompanied with leaf drop. Verticillium wilt also infects the tree's vascular or cambial system. Foliage starts to yellow, brown and wilt in certain portions of the canopy. Symptoms gradually spread throughout the tree with wilting and dying branches and twigs. )

Management

• Since the fungi causing both diseases persist for extended periods in roots and soil, it is important to make sure planting site is clear of old roots. Air drying the soil helps to reduce chances of infection from Armillaria mellea, as cited by the University of California Extension. Plant in well-drained soil and use resistant tree varieties