Sycamore Allergies & Diseases
Got Allergies? If so, you most likely know where this tree lives in your neighborhood.
Every summer the sycamore tree develops fine dust on the underside of its leaves. This dust is a respiratory irritant. Some people may experience a light cough, while others might experience violent coughing and vomiting after exposure.
While pollen is its own issue with any germinating plant species, the Sycamore tree packs an irritating double punch of lung clogging airborne mold spores. Most Sycamore owners are unaware that the transition of the leaves from vibrant green in the spring to partly brown and powdery white in the summer is not part of the natural growth cycle of the tree. This premature dieback is the tree trying to fight an often present and persistent Mildew Infection. The mildew grows and emits spores daily during the summer months, and due to the height of the trees and the presence of the Delta Breeze, the spores are carried hundreds of yards downwind wreaking havoc on those with even the most robust lungs. Due to the wide footprint of the mildew fallout, we receive as many calls from neighbor’s as we do from those with the tree on their property or overhanging the property line. Don’t worry, we’ve heard it all when it comes to Sycamores. The Licensed and trained specialists at Tree Health Solutions can help you breath easier this summer with our specialized treatments.
Mildew Infection: This is a common leaf fall for Sycamore Trees in our area. The white powder is active Mildew emitting a daily cycle of allergenic mold spores. This is one of the leading causes of unhealthy air in the Sacramento Valley region and can be eliminated in short order.
Preventative treatments area available, and your lungs will thank you for it.
Other Sycamore Diseases to look out for
Leaf Blight: Visible symptoms include angular leaf spots and blotches on the foliage especially pronounced along the ribs of the leaf. Also look for shoot and bud blight, or splitting stem cankers on twigs and small branches. There are a number of fungal infections that can lead to these conditions, most treatable, but often times are a result of Anthracnose.
Anthracnose: The most common symptom is the slow development or inability of the tree to leaf out in the spring. The Initial terminal bud is killed by this disease. Later in the season the lateral buds to flush, creating an irregular branching pattern and discoloration of the leaves. This right-angle branching pattern typical of American sycamore is the actually a result of repeated anthracnose infections which are treatable, and will result in greater shade coverage and a stronger tree over time.
Sycamore Diseases are common enough in our area that most owners don’t know that their trees are infected and doing damage to your lungs and the strength of the tree at the same time.
If you would like to speak with our Licensed technician about treatment options. Please call us to schedule a free consultation and survey of your (or by referral, your neighbor’s) property today.
