A sequoia tree is something very special and often the pride and joy of its owner. If symptoms of illness suddenly appear, there is great concern. Incorrect care is often to blame. In this article you will find out how to avoid mistakes, recognize diseases and what to do to combat them or even better prevent them.
What diseases can affect sequoia trees and how can they be prevented?
Sequoia tree diseases such as shoot dieback are usually caused by the ascomycete Botryosphaeria dothidea. Symptoms include brown needles, dying branches, holes in the crown, resin formation and bark necrosis. Prevention: Avoid injuries, water sufficiently and prevent waterlogging.
Sequoia shoot death - the most common disease of the Sequoia
The sequoia tree has an extremely robust bark that even protects it from forest fires. However, the giant is not resistant to Botryosphaeria dothidea, a fungus that causes shoot death. The tricky thing about the pest is that it only appears after months. However, you can recognize signs of the disease much earlier.
Symptoms
The shoot death caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea manifests itself as follows:
- the needles turn brown at the tips
- complete death of the affected branches
- these fall off, leaving visible holes in the crown
- strong resin formation
- Bark necrosis on the trunk
Note: do not confuse the browning of the needles with the seasonal shedding of the leaves. Only in the evergreen coast redwood is the discoloration a clear sign of illness.
Causes
High heat and little water make the sequoia tree vulnerable to pests. Insufficient watering or the wrong choice of location are common care mistakes. However, when waterlogging occurs, root rot occurs.
Combat
If you notice the symptoms mentioned on your sequoia tree, you should act quickly before the fungus penetrates inside. In this case, it helps to remove shoots that are already brown.
Prevention
Botryosphaeria dothidea penetrates the trunk of the sequoia tree through wounds in the bark. If you notice any injuries, you should seal them with foil. Make sure to keep the soil moist at all times. Especially in summer, it is necessary to water the sequoia several times a day. Drainage helps against waterlogging.
