Why Are So Many Sycamore Trees in Utah Being Hit by a Silent Threat?

Walk through any Utah neighborhood this spring, and you might notice something strange sycamore trees with bare branches, shriveled leaves, or entire limbs that appear scorched. This isn’t an isolated issue. It’s a growing problem affecting streets, parks, and backyards across the state.

The cause? A quiet but aggressive disease known as Sycamore Anthracnose. If left unaddressed, it could have a long-term impact on Utah’s tree-lined communities and the health of our urban forests.

At Utah Tree Care Pros, we’re seeing more and more signs of this disease each season and we want property owners to know what to watch for and how to respond.

What Is Sycamore Anthracnose?

Sycamore Anthracnose is a fungal disease caused by Apiognomonia veneta. It spreads during cool, wet spring weather—conditions that have become increasingly common in Utah. The fungus targets young leaves, buds, and twigs, disrupting the tree’s ability to grow and thrive.

Although it may not kill a tree immediately, the disease weakens it over time. Repeated infections can lead to stunted growth, dead limbs, and premature tree death.

Why Utah Should Be Concerned

Sycamore trees are widely planted across Utah for their broad shade, attractive bark, and adaptability. However, in recent years, our team at Utah Tree Care Pros has observed a growing number of sycamores showing clear signs of anthracnose infection, including:

• Browning and curling leaves, especially along veins

• Twig and small branch dieback

• Delayed leaf-out or failure to leaf out in spring

• Cankers and discolored patches on limbs

These symptoms may seem harmless at first glance, but they often indicate a serious underlying issue that can escalate if left untreated.

How to Spot the Problem Early

Homeowners, landscapers, and city officials should look for:

• Dark brown or black blotches on emerging leaves

• Unseasonal leaf drop in spring

• Sunken, cracked areas on twigs and branches

• Progressive dieback of branch tips over consecutive years

Early detection is the key to saving these trees and preventing expensive future damage.

What You Can Do About It

There are several proven ways to manage Sycamore Anthracnose and protect affected trees:

1. Prune During Dormant Season

Remove and dispose of infected branches during winter, when the fungus is less active. This reduces the spread of spores when spring arrives.

2. Support Tree Health

Healthy trees resist disease better. Water during dry spells, use mulch to retain moisture (without touching the trunk), and avoid trunk injuries caused by lawn tools.

3. Apply Preventative Fungicide

If your tree has had anthracnose before, a professional fungicide treatment applied before bud break can be effective. Utah Tree Care Pros offers targeted treatments customized for Utah’s climate and timing.

4. Consult a Certified Arborist

If you suspect Sycamore Anthracnose, contact a certified arborist from Utah Tree Care Pros. Our team can inspect your tree, recommend the best course of action, and carry out treatment safely and effectively.

Why This Matters

Sycamores are more than just shade trees. They help reduce heat, clean the air, provide beauty, and boost property values. But they’re under threat, and without intervention, we could see more and more neighborhoods losing these iconic trees.

By acting now, we can protect Utah’s urban forest and keep our communities healthy, beautiful, and green.

Concerned about a sycamore on your property?
Contact Utah Tree Care Pros today for an expert assessment and a treatment plan tailored to your tree’s needs.

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Let’s stop the silent threat before it goes any further.