A lot of times, it’s difficult to guess what’s the problem with your tree. That’s not the case when it comes to rust fungus. You can’t miss it. Keep reading to learn what fungus they are, how they occur, and why they might affect your tree next.
Juniper Rust Fungus
This type of fungus necessitates two host trees. The disease first grows on a juniper, also known as red cedar, then stretches to crabapple or apple trees though some apple trees are resistant.
The Orange Balls
Here’s the story about orange balls:
First, fungal spores from infested apples grow on your juniper tree in late summer or early fall.
The next year, the fungus gets woody, brown galls. These are abnormal growth that could resemble a golf ball. You’ll see these developments in the autumn.
Come springtime, typically after plenty of rain, the galls bulge and yield thick orange tendrils. Some folks believe it looks like the galls are springing spiky, orange hair. You can’t miss them in the landscape.
These tumor-looking tendrils then discharge spores that settle on your apple trees. From there, they create yellow spots or swellings on the leaves that are related to cedar apple rust.
Can Rust Fungus Hurt Trees?
Cedar Tree
No, your trees don’t bear the problem of rust fungus. Trees are no more than a beginning point. Instead, apple trees are typically the ones affected.
After the galls grow the horns in the springtime, they release spores that fall on apple trees. The apple tree leaves develop orange dots or yellow speckles before falling. As a result, fruit quality decreases and might drop off.
Treatment for This Rust Fungus
Since junipers aren’t hurt by this, there’s no need to treat them. Though, you can take a hands-on approach to handle the spread of rust fungus by getting rid of your juniper trees that sit just a couple of hundred feet or less from your fruit trees.
If you would like more information or want to speak to a tree expert about rust fungus, reach out to Mechanicsburg Tree Service.
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