Professional Tree Disease Treatment for Healthier, Stronger Trees

The Hidden Danger of Tree Diseases in Southeastern Wisconsin

You notice leaves turning brown too early. A favorite maple drops branches without warning. Or your ash tree looks thin compared to last summer. These could be signs of a tree disease that threatens not only the tree itself but also your property and safety.

In Milwaukee and surrounding communities, such as Bayside, Fox Point, and Mequon, common threats include the Emerald Ash Borer, oak wilt, and fungal infections that spread rapidly in our clay soils. Left untreated, these issues can weaken entire sections of your landscape. Diseases that start small, like fungal leaf spots, may progress into systemic problems that compromise structural integrity.

That’s where ISA-Certified Arborists step in. Knowing the right time to call can save your tree and your investment.

Common Tree Diseases in Milwaukee’s Climate

Our region faces unique challenges due to cold winters, humid summers, and clay-rich soil that holds moisture. Some of the most common tree diseases include:

• Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) – Attacks and kills ash trees rapidly if not treated.
• Oak Wilt – Fatal fungal disease spread through roots or beetles.
• Anthracnose – Causes leaf spots and premature leaf drop on maples and oaks.
• Root Rot – Thrives in poorly drained soil, common in Brookfield and Wauwatosa.
• Needle Cast Diseases – Affect spruces and evergreens, thinning their canopy.
• Apple Scab – Common on crabapples, causing unsightly leaf drop each spring.
• Verticillium Wilt – Soil-borne disease impacting maples and ash, leading to branch dieback.

Case Example: EAB in Wauwatosa

Homeowners in Wauwatosa with mature ash trees often report thinning crowns and bark splitting. EAB spreads rapidly, and once a tree loses more than 50% of its canopy, it is typically beyond saving. Preventive injections can keep trees healthy when started early.

Case Example: Oak Wilt in Fox Point

Oak wilt is frequently diagnosed in Fox Point neighborhoods. It spreads underground through root systems, meaning if one oak dies, nearby oaks are also at risk. Quick intervention with trenching and fungicide treatments is essential to stop the chain reaction.

Case Example: Anthracnose in Whitefish Bay

Maple and oak trees in Whitefish Bay frequently show blotchy leaf spots in early summer. While anthracnose is rarely fatal, repeated defoliation weakens trees and makes them more vulnerable to pests.

Warning Signs That Call for Professional Diagnosis

Watch for these red flags:

• Early leaf drop or thinning canopy
• Discolored or spotted leaves
• Dead branches high in the crown
• Bark cracks or oozing sap
• Mushrooms or fungal growth near roots
• Insect galleries under the bark
• Branch dieback that spreads from one side of the tree
• Suckering shoots at the base of the trunk

If you see more than one of these, it’s time to act. Homeowners sometimes mistake normal seasonal stress for disease, but a certified arborist can confirm whether the problem is environmental or pathogenic.

When to Call a Certified Arborist

Calling early makes all the difference. You should contact Crawford Tree & Landscape when:

• A mature tree shows sudden decline – Quick loss of canopy, bark peeling, or major dieback.
• You suspect Emerald Ash Borer or oak wilt – Both require immediate professional treatment.
• Safety becomes a concern – Branches hanging over your home, driveway, or sidewalk.
• You’re unsure of the problem – Certified arborists provide diagnostic testing that identifies pests, fungi, or nutrient imbalances.
• You plan new landscaping projects – An arborist can recommend preventive treatments for newly planted trees to resist local diseases.

How an Arborist Treats Tree Diseases

Our Plant Health Care (PHC) programs combine prevention, monitoring, and treatment:

• Soil injections to boost nutrients and resistance
• Targeted fungicide or insecticide applications
• Strategic pruning to remove diseased limbs
• Root collar excavation to improve airflow and reduce girdling
• Ongoing seasonal monitoring to catch issues early
• Mulching and soil amendment to improve drainage and microbial health

Each plan is tailored to the tree variety, soil conditions, and your property’s goals. Treatments vary by season, with dormant-season pruning recommended for oaks and elms to reduce disease spread.

Example: PHC for Maples in Bayside

Maple trees in Bayside frequently face anthracnose. Our PHC approach includes spring fungicide sprays, pruning infected limbs, and improving soil drainage to limit reinfection. We also advise leaf cleanup in autumn to prevent fungal spores from overwintering.

Example: PHC for Spruces in Mequon

Mequon homeowners often see needle cast in their spruces. Crawford Tree & Landscape applies targeted fungicides, improves air circulation with pruning, and recommends proper mulching to protect root health. Regular inspection prevents small outbreaks from becoming large infestations.

Example: PHC for Ash in Germantown

Germantown residents with ash trees benefit from preventive EAB treatments. Our soil and trunk injections protect healthy trees for multiple seasons, preserving canopy coverage and property value.

Preventive Tree Care: Stop Disease Before It Starts

Prevention is always less costly than treatment. Homeowners in Milwaukee can lower risks by:

• Scheduling annual PHC inspections
• Mulching correctly to reduce root stress
• Watering deeply during summer droughts
• Avoiding trunk injuries from lawn equipment
• Pruning during dormant season to minimize disease spread
• Planting disease-resistant tree varieties suited to Wisconsin’s climate
• Maintaining good spacing between trees for airflow

Local Insight on Prevention

In Waukesha and Brookfield, heavy clay soil makes root rot more common. Amending soil with organic matter and ensuring proper drainage dramatically reduces disease pressure. In Shorewood, where streetside salt exposure is a concern, salt-tolerant species and careful watering help trees withstand stress that could otherwise invite disease.

Why Choose Crawford Tree & Landscape

With 56+ years serving Southeastern Wisconsin, Crawford Tree & Landscape offers:

• ISA-Certified and Board-Certified Master Arborists on staff
• Comprehensive PHC programs
• Experience with local tree varieties like red oaks, ash, and maples
• Knowledge of neighborhood conditions in Bayside, Mequon, and Wauwatosa
• Free on-site consultation and financing available
• Proven history of preserving trees in challenging environments like Milwaukee’s clay soils and lakeside winds

We don’t guess. We diagnose, treat, and preserve whenever possible. Our award-winning team brings decades of field experience, combined with the latest scientific advancements in tree care.

FAQs

How do I know if my tree’s disease is serious?

If the canopy loss exceeds 30 percent or the tree shows rapid decline, contact an arborist. Many diseases progress faster than homeowners expect.

Can diseased trees always be saved?

Not always. Some, like oak wilt, can kill a tree quickly. Certified arborists can often slow or stop other diseases with PHC treatments. For certain cases, removal may be the safest option to protect nearby healthy trees.

Do I need to treat my entire yard if one tree is infected?

It depends on the disease. Oak wilt and EAB can spread to nearby trees, so preventive treatments are often recommended. Diseases like anthracnose may be managed on individual trees without affecting the rest of the property.

What is Plant Health Care (PHC)?

PHC is a proactive approach that includes soil testing, fertilization, disease treatment, and pruning to keep trees strong year-round. It emphasizes monitoring and prevention, not just treatment after the fact.

What does an arborist’s diagnostic test include?

A certified arborist may collect leaf, bark, or soil samples for lab testing, visually inspect for pests, and evaluate environmental conditions. Diagnostic visits often include recommendations for immediate corrective action and a long-term PHC plan.

How much does treatment cost?

Prices vary depending on the disease, tree size, and scope of treatment. Crawford Tree & Landscape always provides a firm price after a free on-site consultation, with financing options available.

Key Takeaways

• Call an arborist at the first sign of disease.
• Annual PHC inspections prevent expensive removals.
• Proactive care preserves property value and safety.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Tree diseases in Milwaukee can move fast. The earlier you call a certified arborist, the more likely your tree can be saved. With decades of experience, advanced diagnostics, and ISA-Certified Arborists, Crawford Tree & Landscape is your trusted partner for keeping trees healthy and landscapes thriving.

📞 Request your free on-site consultation and firm price today! No money down, no credit check, in-house financing available. Call (414) 710-0093 or visit Crawford Tree & Landscape for complete tree services in Greater Milwaukee.