Bacterial Leaf Scorch in Omaha Shade Trees
A newly recognized disease that browns foliage in mid to late summer and slowly declines a tree over years.
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What bacterial leaf scorch is
Bacterial leaf scorch is a newly recognized disease that affects a range of landscape plants, with oaks, sycamores, and elms among the species most vulnerable to it.
It also occurs most commonly on linden, maple, ash, and cottonwood, making it one of the more wide-reaching foliar diseases affecting Omaha-area shade trees.
Symptoms and how the disease progresses
The first visible symptom is foliage browning, or scorching, which typically shows up in mid to late summer. Leaves affected this way go on to defoliate early.
From there, the disease advances through the tree over a period of years: branch dieback sets in, the tree's overall condition declines, and without intervention the decline continues until the tree fails.
Treatment and outlook
There is currently no cure or preventative measure for bacterial leaf scorch. Treatments are available, however, that slow the decline and extend the useful life of an affected tree.
Because the disease is progressive, catching it early and starting a treatment plan gives a valued shade tree the best chance of a longer life in the landscape.
Related reading
See all guidesDrought & Moisture Stress
Moisture-stressed trees show similar scorching symptoms — see how to tell the two apart.
Verticillium Wilt
Another vascular disease that causes progressive dieback in shade trees.
Plant Health Care
Our plant health care program monitors and treats diseases like bacterial leaf scorch before they take a tree.
