Anthracnose on trees like dogwood and maple

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Anthracnose Diseases of Trees
Anthracnose is basically a harmful type of leaf spot, caused by different fungal diseases that affect different trees. Some types affect just leaves, others affect new shoots, twigs, and bracts. Since it is a disease that can spread easily, one should always rake up and dispose of affected leaves or twigs that fall off the tree. Leaves or twigs on the tree that are affected should be pruned out and destroyed. Watering an affected tree or shrub at the base, rather than sprinkling from the top down, will further prevent spread of the disease. Anthracnose shows up in April and May, during cool, rainy periods, and affects trees in the shade more than those in the sun.

The best prevention is to keep trees healthy, fertilize them every year, and make sure they get plenty of water, especially during drought. Trees should be planted and spaced properly to allow air flow, and pruned and trimmed appropriately.