Title: Planting and care of fine hardwood seedlings: diseases in hardwood tree plantings

Author: Pijut, Paula M.

Year: 2006

Publication: FNR-221. Hardwood tree improvement and regeneration center. West Lafayette, IN. Purdue University, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 16 p.

Abstract: Hardwood trees planted for timber production, wildlife habitat, riparian buffers, native woodland restoration, windbreaks, watershed protection, erosion control, and conservation are susceptible to damage or even death by various native and exotic fungal or bacterial diseases. Establishment, growth, and the quality of the trees produced can be affected by these disease outbreaks. Planting a mixture of tree species will help create a diverse community that could better withstand outbreaks of disease occurrences, and help minimize the risks associated with growing single-species plantings. Healthy, vigorously growing trees are generally more capable of surviving attack from diseases. Proper site, species selection, planting, maintenance, and protection may have significant impacts on tree establishment, growth, vigor, production, and economic or ecological value. This publication is intended to provide the landowner with an overview of some of the disease problems (or potential problems) associated with growing hardwood tree species in the Central Hardwood Region. It is by no means comprehensive, as there are numerous diseases associated with hardwood tree species (see Other Resources). Other factors (genetics, environment, climate, and stress) can predispose trees to these and other problems, and new outbreaks may arise or subside over time. Therefore, landowners should consult their local Department of Natural Resources or University Extension personnel to confirm a suspected disease problem and for current disease control measures, or if questions about management or control strategies arise.