Home About edenarb Contracting Contact Details - Tree Basics Leaves Branches & Trunk Root Systems Health CODIT Leaves Trunk & Branches Root System Structural Care Tools Hand Power Safety Pruning Formative Small Branch Large Branch Advanced Selection Planting Identification Native UK Trees Environment Legislation Photo Gallery EDENARB Trees Miscellaneous Credits Links   Leaves     Leaf and needle diseases are common; the effect they have upon the tree can vary depending upon the type of infection and the severity. Many species of bacteria, fungi, virus and insects can cause leaf and needle disease.   Leaf Disease   Most of these diseases are caused by fungi occurring on specific trees and occur when the conditions are favourable for fungal growth. Visible signs will normally be dead spots and/or blotching on the leaves. Although this can appear to be serious it is not normally life threatening to the tree provided severe infection does not continue year after year. Normal treatment for this type of infection is to gather and burn leaves as they are shed by the tree. If young trees are being watered do not water the foliage. Signs of die-back will require more investigation to be carried out.   Needle Disease   Unlike broad leaf trees conifers are usually not able to produce new foliage when they become diseased and therefore dieback can occur. Fungi on conifers are ‘host’ specific and the severity will depend upon the degree of susceptibility.   Weather, dust, chemicals, insecticides and herbicides are examples of other factors that can cause spotting and defoliation. Defects within the leaf will affect the trees capability to photosynthesize and therefore energy reserves will be depleted. It should therefore be appreciated that this may be compounded if the tree is put under any more stress through additional factors.