How to Identify, Prevent, and Treat the Most Common Threats to Our Local Trees
Kansas City is known for its beautiful, tree-lined neighborhoods — from the shady streets of Brookside and Mission Hills to the rolling landscapes of Lee’s Summit, Liberty, and Parkville. But behind that beauty, our trees quietly fight off a host of diseases that can weaken, deform, or even kill them if left untreated.
At Cartwright Tree Care, our arbor consultants and tree health experts have spent over two decades diagnosing and treating the most common diseases affecting Kansas City’s trees. Whether you have stately oaks, colorful maples, or elegant elms, early detection and proactive care are the best ways to keep them healthy and strong.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common tree diseases we see in the Kansas City metro, what they look like, and how we help treat them.
1. Oak Wilt
Oak Wilt is one of the most destructive tree diseases in the Midwest — and it’s spreading fast through Kansas City’s red and pin oak populations.
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What it is: A fungal disease that spreads through root grafts and beetle activity, cutting off water flow inside the tree.
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Signs to watch for: Wilting or browning leaves starting from the top of the canopy and moving downward, leaf drop in summer, and dark streaking beneath the bark.
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Why it’s dangerous: Once infected, an oak can die within weeks. The disease also spreads underground to nearby oaks.
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Treatment: Immediate removal of infected trees and preventative root injections for neighboring ones. Professional pruning and sanitation are essential.
2. Anthracnose
This one loves Kansas City’s warm, wet springs. Anthracnose affects a wide range of hardwood trees — especially maples, sycamores, oaks, and ash trees.
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What it is: A fungal disease that attacks new leaves and shoots during damp, cool weather.
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Signs to watch for: Brown or black blotches on leaves, curling or early leaf drop, and dead twigs in the lower canopy.
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Why it’s dangerous: While rarely fatal, repeated infections can weaken trees over time and invite secondary pests or decay.
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Treatment: Sanitation pruning, improving air circulation, and targeted fungicide applications during early spring.
3. Dutch Elm Disease
Once responsible for wiping out entire elm populations across the U.S., Dutch Elm Disease (DED) still shows up across the Kansas City metro, especially in older neighborhoods.
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What it is: A fungus spread by elm bark beetles that blocks the tree’s water-conducting vessels.
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Signs to watch for: Sudden wilting, curling, and yellowing of leaves on one side of the tree, progressing quickly across the canopy.
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Why it’s dangerous: DED spreads underground and through pruning tools, often killing mature elms within a season.
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Treatment: Fungicide injections and immediate removal of infected branches or trees to prevent spread.
4. Fire Blight
If you have ornamental or fruit trees — like pear, crabapple, or apple trees — this bacterial disease is one to watch for.
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What it is: A bacterial infection that thrives during warm, humid weather.
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Signs to watch for: Blackened, drooping shoots that look like they’ve been scorched by fire, oozing cankers, and leaf wilt.
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Why it’s dangerous: It spreads easily from tree to tree through rain, pruning, and insects.
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Treatment: Pruning infected areas during dormancy and applying antibacterial treatments at the right stage of bloom.
5. Powdery Mildew
This one is easy to spot — and very common in Kansas City’s shady lawns and dense plantings.
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What it is: A fungal disease that forms a white, powder-like coating on leaves and stems.
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Signs to watch for: White or gray powdery residue on leaves, twisted or curled foliage, and premature leaf drop.
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Why it’s dangerous: While not typically fatal, it weakens plants and reduces growth and aesthetic appeal.
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Treatment: Pruning to increase sunlight exposure and applying targeted fungicides if needed.
6. Root Rot
Root rot is one of those hidden problems that’s often mistaken for drought stress. It thrives in clay-heavy or poorly drained soil — which means many Kansas City yards are prime territory.
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What it is: A fungal disease that attacks roots, cutting off oxygen and nutrients.
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Signs to watch for: Slow growth, yellowing leaves, thinning canopy, and a mushy or decaying root base.
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Why it’s dangerous: Once rot sets in, recovery is difficult without professional intervention.
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Treatment: Soil aeration, drainage improvement, and specialized soil treatments to suppress fungal growth.
7. Leaf Spot Diseases
Kansas City’s humid climate is perfect for a variety of leaf spot fungi, including tar spot on maples and septoria leaf spot on sycamores and dogwoods.
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What it is: Fungal infections that cause small, dark circular spots on leaves.
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Signs to watch for: Speckled, discolored leaves that drop early in the season.
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Why it’s dangerous: Heavy infections can defoliate trees repeatedly, leading to long-term stress.
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Treatment: Raking and removing fallen leaves, improving air flow, and spring fungicide applications.
Protecting Kansas City’s Trees, One Diagnosis at a Time
The good news? Most tree diseases can be managed — or even prevented — with early detection and professional care.
At Cartwright Tree Care, our arbor consultants take a science-based approach to tree health. We use detailed inspections, soil analysis, and tissue testing to identify diseases early and create custom treatment plans that restore your trees’ vitality.
Our services include:- Disease diagnosis and monitoring
- Preventative fungicide and injection treatments
- Structural pruning and risk reduction
- Soil aeration and deep root fertilization
Whether your sycamore has leaf blotches, your oak looks stressed, or you just want peace of mind before spring hits, we’re here to help.
Schedule a Tree Health Inspection Today
Don’t wait until you start seeing bare branches and falling leaves. If you suspect disease, schedule a professional inspection before it spreads. Our team proudly serves the entire Kansas City metro area, including Overland Park, Raymore, Leawood, Blue Springs, Liberty, and North Kansas City.
Let’s keep Kansas City’s trees healthy — together. 🌳
📞 Contact Cartwright Tree Care today to schedule your tree disease diagnosis or learn more about our treatment options.