How to Spot Tree Diseases Common in Indiana
- Joe Bontrager
- Sep 15
- 4 min read
Healthy trees bring beauty, shade, and value to your property. But in Indiana, a number of tree diseases threaten local landscapes every year. When left unchecked, these diseases can spread quickly, weaken your trees, and even cause dangerous situations with falling limbs or dead trunks.
At Bushmon Tree Removal Service in Wawaka, we’ve seen firsthand how early detection can save a tree—or, in some cases, save a homeowner from costly damage when a diseased tree must come down. In this guide, we’ll explain how to identify the most common tree diseases in Indiana, when to call in a professional, and what your options are if you suspect a tree on your property is in trouble.
Common Tree Diseases in Indiana
1. Dutch Elm Disease
Symptoms: Yellowing and wilting leaves starting at the top of the tree, brown streaks under the bark.
Cause: Spread by elm bark beetles and root grafts between nearby trees.
Why it matters: Once infection spreads, it’s almost always fatal. Quick removal may be necessary to protect neighboring elms.
2. Oak Wilt
Symptoms: Sudden leaf wilting, discoloration (green turning bronze), and premature leaf drop.
Cause: Fungus spread through root systems and insects.
Why it matters: Red oaks die within weeks; white oaks may survive longer. Fast professional action is crucial.
3. Anthracnose
Symptoms: Irregular brown spots on leaves, distorted foliage, and early leaf drop.
Cause: Fungal spores that thrive in cool, wet spring weather.
Why it matters: Not usually fatal, but repeated infections weaken the tree over time.
4. Verticillium Wilt
Symptoms: Wilting, yellowing leaves on one side of the tree, branch dieback, and streaks in sapwood.
Cause: Soil-borne fungus.
Why it matters: Affects many Indiana species, including maples. Severely infected trees may need removal.
5. Apple Scab (on crabapples)
Symptoms: Olive-green or black spots on leaves and fruit, leaf curling, premature leaf drop.
Cause: Fungus favored by wet conditions.
Why it matters: While mostly cosmetic, repeated defoliation stresses the tree, leaving it vulnerable to other issues.
6. Emerald Ash Borer Damage
(Technically an insect pest, but the damage mimics disease.)
Symptoms: Canopy thinning, D-shaped exit holes in bark, woodpecker damage, bark splitting.
Cause: Emerald Ash Borer larvae tunneling under bark.
Why it matters: Almost all untreated ash trees in Indiana eventually die.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Even if you’re not sure what specific disease is affecting your tree, here are some general signs that something is wrong:
Sudden leaf discoloration (yellow, brown, or bronze)
Premature leaf drop in spring or early summer
Wilting or drooping branches
Visible fungus growth on bark or roots
Cracks or cankers in the trunk
Dead limbs at the crown of the tree
If you notice any of these issues, it’s a good idea to have a professional inspect your tree. Early intervention can sometimes save the tree, but if removal is necessary, it’s better to act before the disease spreads or the tree becomes a safety hazard.
Why Professional Help Matters
Tree diseases are complex, and misidentifying them can waste time and money. At Bushmon Tree Removal Service, we:
Inspect trees carefully for disease signs.
Recommend safe removal if the tree poses a risk.
Offer stump grinding to ensure diseased roots don’t regrow or spread spores.
Provide storm cleanup services, since diseased trees are more likely to fall in high winds.
By working with a local company, you also get peace of mind knowing we’re familiar with Indiana’s specific tree species and regional problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I treat a diseased tree myself?
A: Some minor fungal issues can be managed with pruning and fungicide, but many serious tree diseases require professional evaluation.
Q: How do I know if my tree can be saved?
A: If the disease is caught early, trimming away affected branches may help. However, advanced infections (like oak wilt or Dutch elm disease) usually mean removal is the safest option.
Q: Is it safe to leave a diseased tree standing?
A: No. Diseased trees can become weak and fall unexpectedly. They can also spread disease to other healthy trees nearby.
Q: Does insurance cover tree removal?
A: Insurance may cover removal if a diseased tree falls on your home or causes damage. Preventative removals are usually out-of-pocket but protect you from bigger costs later.
Q: What happens to the diseased wood after removal?
A: We safely dispose of or recycle wood to prevent spreading disease to other areas.
Customer Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"Bushmon Tree Removal was quick to diagnose our oak tree with oak wilt. They explained the problem clearly and safely removed the tree before it could fall on our garage. We couldn’t be happier with their professionalism." – Linda P., Wawaka
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"After a storm, we noticed half our maple was wilting. Bushmon’s crew came out right away, found signs of verticillium wilt, and handled the removal and cleanup the same day. Highly recommend their service." – Mark D., Noble County
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"We thought our crabapple was just dropping leaves early, but Bushmon Tree Removal identified apple scab and trimmed it to save the tree. Honest, reliable, and affordable." – Sharon L., Ligonier
Final Thoughts
Tree diseases in Indiana are nothing to take lightly. Whether it’s Dutch elm disease, oak wilt, or damage from emerald ash borer, the sooner you identify the problem, the more options you’ll have.
At Bushmon Tree Removal Service in Wawaka, we’re here to help homeowners protect their property, preserve healthy trees, and safely remove dangerous ones when necessary. If you suspect your tree may be diseased, don’t wait—contact us today for an inspection.
👉 Call Bushmon Tree Removal today for a free estimate and keep your family, home, and property safe.
📞 Call Bushmon Tree Removal at (260) 564-4335 or request a free quote online to book your seasonal tree care service.
🌐 Visit: bushmontreeremovalservice.com
Serving Wawaka and within 30 miles. Fast. Local. Reliable.
Comments