Common Tree Diseases in Tippecanoe County and How to Spot Them Early
Healthy trees add shade, beauty, and value to your home. In Tippecanoe County, our weather shifts and humid summers can make trees more vulnerable to disease. Whether you live in Lafayette, West Lafayette, or Dayton, spotting problems early can protect your trees from serious damage and keep your yard looking its best.
Leaf Spot Diseases
Leaf spots are one of the most common tree problems across Indiana. They appear as small dark or tan circles that slowly expand through the growing season. Maple, sycamore, and oak trees around Lafayette neighborhoods often show these symptoms after periods of heavy rain.
What to do: Rake and dispose of fallen leaves in fall, improve airflow between trees, and avoid overhead watering. If the disease returns each year, a professional treatment plan may be needed.
Oak Wilt
Oak wilt is a serious fungal disease that spreads quickly through root connections or beetles. Leaves wilt from the top down, turn brown at the edges, and fall early in the season. This issue has been found in mature oaks across Tippecanoe County.
What to do: Remove infected limbs right away and avoid pruning oaks during warm months. Contact a local tree care professional to confirm oak wilt before it spreads to nearby trees.
Anthracnose
This fungus thrives in damp spring weather and affects sycamores, ashes, and dogwoods throughout the region. It causes brown patches and curling leaves, and while it rarely kills the tree, repeated infections can weaken it over time.
What to do: Prune damaged branches in late winter, clear out leaf litter, and ensure the tree receives consistent watering. Healthy soil and proper care help the tree recover naturally.
Verticillium Wilt
Verticillium wilt lives in the soil and clogs a tree’s water system. Leaves often curl, wilt, or change color on one side of the tree. Maples and redbuds in Lafayette and West Lafayette are especially prone to this problem.
What to do: Prune out affected limbs and avoid replanting sensitive species in the same area. Trees that show heavy wilt should be inspected by a professional.
Root Rot
Low spots in yards that hold water can lead to root rot. Trees in poorly drained areas of Tippecanoe County may start leaning, losing vigor, or showing decay near the trunk.
What to do: Improve soil drainage, reduce standing water, and inspect any tree that appears unstable. In advanced cases, safe removal may be the best option.
When to Call a Professional
Some diseases can be managed with routine maintenance, but others require professional help. If you notice early leaf drop, branch dieback, or decay at the trunk, schedule an inspection before the problem worsens. Early action can often save the tree and protect nearby ones.
At Baber’s Tree Service, we’ve worked with homeowners across Lafayette, West Lafayette, and all of Tippecanoe County to diagnose and treat tree diseases safely. Our team provides expert assessment, pruning, and removal to keep your property healthy and secure.
Need help with a sick or damaged tree?
Call Baber’s Tree Service today to schedule an inspection or request a free estimate.