Salt Lake City

Public Lands Department

publiclands@slc.gov

Anthracnose in SLC’s Urban Forest

Anthracnose in SLC’s Urban Forest

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Anthracnose is a disease caused by fungal infections in sycamore and London plane trees. Anthracnose looks like brown spots on leaves, leaves that fall off early, and dead twigs or even dead branches.

The best way for residents to protect their trees is to keep them healthy. SLC’s Urban Foresters are currently researching new methods to protect trees from anthracnose.

Two London plane trees. The left tree has lots of green leaves, and is labelled "Mild Anthracnose". The right tree has very few green leaves, and is labelled "Severe Anthracnose".
These two trees are both London plane trees, but the tree on the right is suffering from a severe anthracnose infection.

What can SLC residents do about anthracnose?

Healthy trees are more resilient.

The most important way to keep trees healthy is often by watering them. Check out these guides to supporting tree health.

Anthracnose can remain in infected tree parts for months. To prevent reinfection, rake up and dispose of fallen leaves and twigs or pruned branches. Keep debris away from the base of trees.

ISA-certified arborists can safely and effectively prune infected material from trees on private property. Contact Urban Forestry for trees on city property.

What is Urban Forestry doing about anthracnose?

SLC Urban Forestry is working with Utah State University and private contractor partners to study potential new treatment options for anthracnose. This research will help Urban Forestry understand the best ways to preserve valuable trees all over SLC.

Urban Forestry has created a guide to help residents understand and manage anthracnose.

Latest Anthracnose Posts

  • Anthracnose Update

    Anthracnose Update

  • Anthracnose in Sycamore and London Plane Trees

    Anthracnose in Sycamore and London Plane Trees