Top Tree Diseases in Michigan – And When to Remove Infected Trees

Michigan is home to beautiful, diverse tree species—from towering red oaks and maples to evergreens like spruce and pine. But these trees are not immune to disease. Harsh winters, wet springs, pests, and fungal infections can cause widespread damage if left untreated.

At Family Tree Removal, we often get calls from homeowners in Shelby Township and surrounding areas asking, “Is this tree too far gone?” or “Can I save it, or should I remove it?” The answer depends on the type of disease, how advanced it is, and the risk it poses to your property.

In this guide, we’ll review the most common tree diseases found in Michigan, how to recognize the warning signs, and how to know when removal is the right call.

Why Tree Disease Is a Serious Concern

Sick trees can:

• Become structurally weak and prone to falling
  
  
• Spread disease to nearby healthy trees
  
  
• Attract pests and infestations
  
  
• Damage your curb appeal and lower property value
  
  
• Pose a safety hazard during storms or high winds
  
  

Acting early can sometimes save a tree, but in many cases—especially with advanced disease—removal is the safest and most cost-effective option.

1. Oak Wilt

What It Is:

Oak wilt is a fungal disease that affects red oaks, white oaks, and other species. It spreads quickly through root systems or insect activity and is often fatal.

Signs of Oak Wilt:

• Sudden leaf wilting and browning, starting at the top
  
  
• Leaves falling prematurely (mid to late summer)
  
  
• Cracks in the bark or discolored wood
  
  
• Sap beetles or insect activity near the base
  
  

When to Remove:

Once a red oak is infected, there is no cure. The tree will usually die within weeks. To prevent the spread, it’s critical to remove the tree immediately and destroy the infected wood.

2. Dutch Elm Disease

What It Is:

This fungal disease has devastated elm populations across North America. It is spread by elm bark beetles or through connected root systems.

Signs of Dutch Elm Disease:

• Yellowing and browning of leaves in summer (not fall)
  
  
• Wilting on one side or in random sections
  
  
• Brown streaks in the outer sapwood
  
  
• Small holes in the bark (signs of beetles)
  
  

When to Remove:

If caught early, limited pruning may help. But if more than 30–40% of the crown is affected, removal is recommended to protect nearby elms and prevent structural hazards.

3. Fire Blight

What It Is:

A bacterial disease affecting crabapple, pear, hawthorn, and other ornamental trees. It spreads quickly in wet spring weather.

Signs of Fire Blight:

• Blackened, curled leaves that look scorched
  
  
• Oozing from cankers or cracks
  
  
• Dieback of new shoots and twigs
  
  
• Blighted flowers that never open fully
  
  

When to Remove:

Infected branches can be pruned in early stages, but severe cases may require full removal—especially if the disease has reached the trunk.

4. Apple Scab

What It Is:

A common fungal infection found on apple and crabapple trees in Michigan. While not always fatal, it can significantly reduce the beauty and health of ornamental trees.

Signs of Apple Scab:

• Olive green to black spots on leaves and fruit
  
  
• Premature leaf drop in summer
  
  
• Defoliation year after year
  
  

When to Remove:

Mild infections can be managed with seasonal pruning. But if defoliation recurs for multiple seasons and the tree becomes unsightly or weak, removal may be the best option.

5. Anthracnose

What It Is:

A fungal disease affecting shade trees like sycamore, ash, maple, and oak. It causes irregular leaf blotches and dieback in cool, wet spring weather.

Signs of Anthracnose:

• Brown or purple blotches on young leaves
  
  
• Twigs dying back near the tips
  
  
• Irregular leaf shape or curling
  
  
• Early leaf drop
  
  

When to Remove:

Most trees recover from anthracnose, but repeated infections weaken the tree over time. If structural damage or heavy dieback occurs, professional assessment or removal is advised.

When Tree Disease Requires Immediate Removal

Not all diseased trees must be removed. But you should act quickly if you notice any of the following:

• Severe dieback in the upper canopy
  
  
• Cracks or cavities forming in the trunk
  
  
• Mushrooms or fungi growing at the base
  
  
• The tree is leaning or unbalanced
  
  
• Disease has spread to more than 50% of the crown
  
  
• Bark is falling off or shows signs of borer activity
  
  
• Pest infestations, such as carpenter ants or beetles
  
  

We always try to preserve a tree when possible, but if it poses a threat to your home, power lines, or surrounding trees, removal may be unavoidable.

Protecting Healthy Trees from Infection

In addition to removing diseased trees, proper trimming, seasonal maintenance, and sanitation can help keep other trees in your yard healthy.

Tips include:

• Avoid pruning during wet weather
  
  
• Sanitize tools between cuts or trees
  
  
• Remove and destroy infected branches or leaves
  
  
• Schedule annual tree inspections
  
  
• Avoid wounding trees during lawn maintenance or construction
  
  

Tree Disease in Shelby Township: Local Considerations

Shelby Township and the surrounding region have a high population of maples, oaks, and ornamental flowering trees, all of which are susceptible to the diseases mentioned above. The area’s humid summers and wet springs increase the risk of fungal infections spreading quickly.

If you suspect a disease, it’s best to act quickly. Our team at Family Tree Removal is trained to spot early and advanced signs of infection and can recommend whether treatment or removal is the best path forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I save a tree with visible fungus at the base?

Fungus at the base often indicates internal decay. In many cases, especially if mushrooms or conks are present, the tree may be structurally unsound and should be removed.

Should I remove one tree to protect others?

Yes. If a contagious disease like oak wilt or Dutch elm disease is detected, removing the infected tree can prevent it from spreading through root systems or airborne spores.

Are diseased trees covered by insurance?

Not typically. Insurance generally covers removal only if the tree causes damage during a storm or fall. Preventative removal is the homeowner’s responsibility.

Can I burn diseased wood?

In most cases, yes—but it must be done legally and safely. We recommend disposing of infected wood according to local regulations to avoid spreading disease.

Call for a Disease Inspection or Tree Removal Quote

Not sure if your tree is sick—or whether it needs to be removed? Call Family Tree Removal for a professional, honest assessment. We’ll inspect the tree, identify signs of disease, and explain your options clearly.

• Licensed and insured
  
  
• Fast local service in Shelby Township, MI
  
  
• Tree removal, trimming, and stump grinding
  
  
• Emergency and preventative tree services
  
  
• Free quotes with no pressure
  
  

Call (586) 383-0655 or email familytreeremoval@hotmail.com to schedule your consultation.
You can also visit our Facebook page for photos and client reviews:
https://www.facebook.com/p/Family-Tree-Removal-100053281072525