August 5, 2025
Florida’s trees are beautiful, but our warm, wet climate makes them vulnerable. The same humidity that feeds lush growth also invites fungal infections, rot, and invasive pests.
If you’ve lived here long enough, you’ve seen it: black patches on trunks, wilted leaves in summer, or trees that suddenly lose a limb for no clear reason. It’s not just bad luck. In many cases, it’s disease, and spotting it early can save your tree.
Let’s walk through how to catch it early and what you can do before small signs turn into big problems.
Why Florida’s Weather Stresses Trees More Than You Think
In Florida, trees grow year-round. But that means diseases grow year-round too.
- Warm air keeps fungi active longer
- Bugs that carry disease never take a break
- Trees don’t get time to recover like they do in colder states
This nonstop growth makes prevention your best defense.
Common Florida Tree Diseases and What to Watch For
Ganoderma (Rot at the Roots)
What to notice:
- Mushroom-like growths near the base
- A tree starting to lean without storm damage
Why it matters: Ganoderma rots the tree from the inside. By the time you see mushrooms, the trunk may already be hollow.
Best step: Call for an inspection. This isn’t a wait-and-see situation.
Laurel Wilt
Who’s at risk: Avocados, redbay, swamp bay, and sassafras trees
Early signs:
- Leaves drooping for no reason
- Top branches dying off fast
What causes it: A tiny beetle carrying fungus. It spreads easily.
What to do: Remove infected trees early to avoid losing more.
Anthracnose
How it shows up:
- Brown or black patches on leaves
- Leaf drop before summer
- Twig tips turning dry
Common in: Oaks, maples, dogwoods, sycamores
Helpful tip: Trim for better airflow. In serious cases, get help with treatment.
Fusarium Wilt (Seen Most in Palms)
Red flags:
- One side of the palm wilts
- Discolored streaks inside the trunk if cut
Important to know: There’s no cure. You have to act fast if you see signs.
Why Trees Can Look Fine But Still Be in Trouble
Some trees look healthy until the moment they fail. We once visited a property where a giant oak looked great, but a tap test revealed the trunk was hollow. That tree was days away from falling.
Most diseases start quietly. The bark might look clean. Leaves may still be green. But inside, the tree could be decaying.
Quick Look: Signs and What They Might Mean
| Tree Type | What You See | What It Could Be | What To Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palm | Leaning, fungus at base | Ganoderma | Get a safety inspection |
| Oak or Maple | Early leaf drop, dark spots | Anthracnose | Prune and watch closely |
| Avocado | Wilting from top down | Laurel Wilt | Remove to protect others |
| Sycamore | Tip dieback, patchy leaves | General fungal infection | Improve airflow, trim |
When to Get a Tree Surgeon (Not Just a Lawn Crew)
Tree disease is a health issue, not just a yard issue.
A trained tree surgeon knows how to:
- Spot internal damage before you can
- Use safe trimming methods that avoid spreading infection
- Check for root shifts that signal hidden problems
- Know when removal is safer than recovery
If you’re unsure, get a second opinion before you lose a good tree or have one fall unexpectedly.
Florida Tree Health Checklist
- Book an annual inspection (spring or early summer works best)
- Avoid piling mulch against trunks
- Water only when needed; overwatering feeds fungi
- Clear wet leaves and debris after storms
- Thin dense canopies to help air circulate
- Look under leaves and at bark base weekly
Easy-to-Miss Clues That Matter
You might not think these are big issues, but they can signal deeper problems:
- Bark peeling around the base
- Canopy suddenly thinning
- Small boreholes in the trunk
- A trunk that sounds hollow when you tap it
- Surface roots pushing up unevenly
Most homeowners don’t catch these. That’s why expert inspections matter.
What You Actually Want to Know
Let’s skip the jargon. If you’re reading this, here’s probably what you want answered:
- Is my tree really sick, or just struggling?
- Can I fix this myself?
- Will it get worse if I wait?
- How do I stop this from happening again?
That’s what we’ve covered. If you’re still unsure, it’s better to call and check than wait and regret it.
Straight Answers to Common Questions
Is it stress or disease?
Stress improves with better care. Disease keeps progressing even when you try to help. Watch how it changes over time.
Can I treat disease myself?
Some leaf issues and pest signs, maybe. But if you see mushrooms on the trunk, wilting tops, or root exposure, don’t go it alone.
Why is Florida worse for this stuff?
Humidity. Year-round warmth. No frost to kill pests. Everything stays active longer, including problems.
When is a diseased tree actually dangerous?
When the structure is compromised. It might look okay right now, but once a trunk or root gives out, there’s no warning.
What’s the most common mistake?
People wait too long. Then they lose the tree, or it becomes a hazard.
Final Thoughts: Your Trees Deserve a Fighting Chance
In Florida, your trees are doing a lot of heavy lifting. They shade your home, raise your curb appeal, and survive some tough conditions.
The best thing you can do? Keep an eye on them. Get a professional to check on signs you’re not sure about. And act early, because when it comes to tree disease, time really does make the difference.
