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Arborist: Phytophthora canker found on Wildwood Autumn Blaze maples; one tree to be removed, five to be treated
Summary
A Bartlett Consulting arborist told the Piedmont Park Commission that cankers consistent with a Phytophthora root-rot are affecting Autumn Blaze maples on Wildwood Avenue; staff recommended removing one tree and applying antifungal treatment to five others and will contact residents about irrigation changes.
The Piedmont Park Commission was told Oct. 1 that Autumn Blaze maples lining the 400 block of Wildwood Avenue are showing aggressive trunk bleeding and cankers consistent with a Phytophthora-type infection. Daria Barrar, managing consulting arborist with HortScience/Bartlett Consulting, said field inspection found dead tissue under the cankers concentrated on the south side of the street and signs of oversaturated soils and turf at tree bases.
"We landed on a canker," Barrar said, explaining that Phytophthora is a root rot present in many soils and that cultural changes are the main way to limit damage. She recommended removing one heavily affected tree and treating five neighboring trees with an antifungal application (staff identified AgriFos as an acceptable product). Nancy (city staff) said HortScience/Bartlett is scheduled to apply the treatment the following day.
Commissioners raised questions about species selection, long-term irrigation strategy and whether the city could take a more proactive role in removing turf and modifying irrigation in parkways. Daniel and other commissioners discussed possible outreach: letters or education for homeowners and use of drip or subsurface irrigation to reduce soil saturation. The commission did not take a formal vote on policy changes; staff will contact affected residents, proceed with the planned treatment, and monitor the trees.
