There are many beautiful trees in Western New York, like tall maples, stately oaks, ornamental crabapples, and old-growth elms. But this variety has its own problems. Tree diseases and invasive species can easily thrive in our area’s harsh winters, wet springs, and stormy summers. If you don’t take care of these threats, they can weaken trees or even kill them, which could be bad for your home, family, or business.
We’ll talk about the most common tree diseases in Western New York, invasive species to watch out for, and why it’s important to hire a professional tree service like Timber Tree Service to keep your property safe and beautiful.
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is the most common tree disease in Western New York
The Emerald Ash Borer is a green beetle with a metallic sheen that lays its eggs under the bark of ash trees. It is one of the worst pests in New York. The larvae eat the tree’s inner layers, which cuts off the flow of water and nutrients.
- Effect: Ash trees that are infested usually die in two to four years.
- Signs include holes in the shape of a D, a thinning canopy, and bark that splits vertically.
- Danger: Dead ash trees can break easily and be dangerous.
Learn more about the Emerald Ash Borer and the NYDEC.
The Dutch Elm Disease
In the past, elm trees were common in American neighborhoods, but now they are rare because of a fungal disease that bark beetles spread.
- Effect: It makes leaves turn yellow and droop, which can kill the tree in one season.
- Signs include brown streaks in the wood, branches that die back, and leaves that fall off all at once.
- Risk: Older neighborhoods with big elms are at a higher risk.
Oak Wilt
A fungal disease that spreads quickly through beetles and root systems that are connected.
- Effect: Red oaks can die just a few weeks after getting sick.
- Signs: The tips of the leaves turn dull green or brown, and they fall off quickly.
- Risk: Falling on a big, old oak tree that is weak can be very dangerous.
Source: Cornell Cooperative Extension – Oak Wilt
Cedar-Apple Rust and Apple Scab
These fungal infections mostly change the look of ornamental apple and crabapple trees, but they also make them weaker and more likely to be affected by other stressors.
Signs: Leaves that are yellow-orange, leaves that are falling off, and fruit that is not round.
Anthracnose (on sycamore and maple trees)
A fungal disease that does well in wet, cool weather.
- Signs: Brown spots on leaves, curling, and leaves falling off early are all signs.
- Risk: Severe infections make branches weaker, which makes them more likely to break in storms.
Harmful Tree Pests That Can Cause Major Damage
Invasive bugs and fungal diseases are getting worse in Western New York.
- The Spotted Lanternfly, is spreading quickly and eats maples, birches, and grapevines, which hurts farms in the area.
- Asian Longhorned Beetle: This beetle is known for boring deep into hardwood trees like maples and birches.
- The Gypsy Moth Caterpillars (Spongy Moth) eat a lot of leaves, which makes trees that are already weak even weaker.
It’s very important to check for these pests on a regular basis because they can do a lot of damage before you notice them.
How to Know if a Tree Is Dying or Dangerous
Finding it early can save you a lot of money on repairs. Here are some signs to look for:
- Fungi or mushrooms growing at the base of the tree.
- There are big cracks, holes, or empty spaces in the trunk.
- Hanging or dead branches.
- Leaves falling off all of a sudden, changing color, or the canopy getting thinner.
If you see these warning signs, don’t wait for a storm to knock the tree down Check out our blog on Spotting Dangerous Trees Early.
Why You Should Hire a Professional Tree Service
Sick or dying trees can fall without warning, which can hurt people, cars, and homes. Timber Tree Service can help you. They help people in Western New York and offer:
- Cut down trees that are sick or dangerous in a safe way with the help of an expert.
- Trimming and pruning trees can help them grow better and be more resistant to storms.
- Get rid of stumps and stop pests from spreading. Get your yard back.
- Emergency Services: We are available 24/7 to help with trees that are dangerous or storm damage.
Timber Tree Service has been around for a long time and knows the area well. They can help keep your property safe and make your yard look nice at the same time.
Final Thoughts
In Western New York, where the weather is different and there are a lot of different kinds of trees, it’s very important to keep pests and diseases away. You can keep your property safe by learning how to spot pests like the Emerald Ash Borer, Dutch Elm Disease, and other pests that come from other places.
Don’t let a weak tree cause trouble. Call Timber Tree Service today to schedule a professional inspection that will keep your home, family, and yard safe all year long.
invasive tree bugs tree care tree diseases tree pests
Last modified: March 8, 2026
