Fatal Linden Tree Diseases
- Linden trees can be destroyed by certain diseasesflowers of a linden image by Ludmila Galchenkova from Fotolia.com
Linden trees are a group of about 20 tree species. Linden trees are cold- and drought-resistant trees that grow well in many areas, and can to be as many as 90 feet in height. However, there are a number of diseases that can attack and kill a Linden tree under certain conditions. - Linden trees are susceptible to a fungal disease called anthracnose, which attacks the leaves of the linden tree; particularly newer growths, during cool, moist periods. The leaves will exhibit small dark spots that can spread rapidly and cause all of the leaves to die and fall off of the tree. If anthracnose is left untreated, it can kill a linden tree in a few seasons. Remove infected leaves and treat the tree with fungicides.
- Verticillium wilt is fatal to linden trees. Verticillium, a type of fungus, attacks a linden tree through the soil, where it can remain dormant for many years. Although linden trees are typically resistant to verticillium wilt, it can kill off young and newly planted trees, or trees that are already weakened by drought or another disease. Effects include wilting and premature leaf loss, as well as dieback. There is no treatment for verticillium wilt.
- White rot, also called Bot rot, according to West Virginia University, is a type of fungus. White rot attacks linden trees that have been damaged by long periods of drought. Trees infected with white rot develop blisters or spots on the trunks and branches. The spreading of the infection can cause these spots to become larger and darker, and the interior of the tree can rot completely. Fungicides and pruning can sometimes save the tree.
