Tree Care 101: Common Pests & Diseases

Common Pests & Diseases and When to Call a Pro

Healthy trees add shade, beauty, and value to your property, but in the warm and humid climate of Ocala, FL, pests and diseases can spread fast. Knowing what to watch for helps you act early, protect nearby trees, and avoid costly damage. Read this homeowner-friendly guide to common tree problems and learn how a professional tree service can help by providing effective tree trimming, tree branch removal, and tree cutting services.

Why Early Detection of Tree Pests Matters

Most serious tree issues start small—one thinning section of canopy, a few odd leaves, or a branch that “just doesn’t look right.” The sooner you address the cause, the better your chances of saving the tree and preventing hazards like falling limbs. One of the most important things to watch for is the presence of tree pests. Common tree pests to watch for include borers (wood-boring insects), scale insects, aphids, whiteflies, and mites. You'll notice the presence of tree pests if you come across small holes in bark, sawdust-like material near the trunk, dying limbs, tiny bumps on twigs, sticky residue, black sooty mold, curling leaves, ant activity, speckled or bronzed leaves, or fine webbing.

Common Tree Diseases and Signs of Trouble

In addition to tree pests, tree diseases can bring trouble to your property. Disease can begin to rot and destroy your tree if it is not detected early. Common tree diseases are not hard to spot and, in fact, there are several red flags to keep an eye on as they are clues that tree disease may be present.

Root rot is often the result of poor drainage. You may begin to see this rot if you notice: 

• Thinning canopy and slow decline
• Mushrooms near the base
• Soft/decaying wood at the root flare

If your tree feels "loose" in the ground, it may also be a sign of root rot. Root issues can turn a living tree into a sudden fall hazard—especially during storms. If you suspect root rot, call a professional tree service to assess the stability of your tree and conduct any necessary tree service.

If you notice black or brown spots on your trees, as well as leaves that are falling earlier than usual and creating a patchy canopy, your tree may have leaf spot and fungal blights. This is repeated defoliation that weakens trees over time. A professional tree service can remove infected leaf litter to help improve airflow. Proper tree trimming can also help prevent fungal blights.

Cankers, which are sunken or cracked bark areas, can also be a problem for your tree as they can girdle branches or trunks, cutting off nutrient flow. You may notice signs of cankers such as oozing sap, cracked bark, or sunken lesions. Prompt tree branch removal of affected limbs can slow spread and reduce hazards.

Finally, you may notice powdery mildew if you see white, dusty coating on leaves and distorted new growth. While this is usually a cosmetic issue, it can stress young or already-weak trees. You can correct this through tree trimming that improves airflow and sunlight penetration.

Seek Help to Prevent Problems

Proactive tree trimming is one of the best ways to help prevent problems with your tree. Strategic tree trimming isn’t just about appearance. When done correctly, it can:

• Remove dead or diseased limbs before they fail
• Reduce rubbing branches and entry points for pests
• Improve airflow and light penetration (less fungal pressure)
• Lower storm risk by reducing weak, overextended limbs

If you’re noticing recurring issues, routine maintenance plus timely tree branch removal can make a major difference. While it may be tempting to handle tree services on your own, it's best to consider calling a professional. Tree work is hazardous, and improper cutting can make pest/disease issues worse—or create structural problems that show up later.

When to Request Professional Tree Service

Bring in a certified arborist if you notice:

• Large dead limbs over walkways or structures
• Cracks or cavities in the trunk
• Leaning trees that have recently moved or show soil heaving
• Recurring pest or nutrient issues despite good care

Contact Us for Emergency Tree Service

If you’re seeing signs of pests, disease, or hazardous limbs, Marion Tree Trimming can help you decide the safest path forward—whether that’s targeted tree trimming, tree branch removal, or full tree removals. We provide free estimates and professional service to keep your property safe and your trees in the best shape possible. Call our tree company today to schedule an assessment and get your free estimate. We are the trusted choice for tree branch removal and tree cutting services in Ocala, FL and Belleview, FL.