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RTEC Treecare

Expert Tree Care in the DC Metro Area | Call 703-573-3029 to talk to a Tree Care Expert.

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Phytophthora Root Rot

Resources: Tree Problems

Shrubs affected by phytophthora root rot.

Phytophthora Root Rot is an extremely damaging and widespread fungus-like organism that will rot away your trees/shrubs root system and eventually kill your tree if left untreated. In the worst cases, when left untreated trees can become structurally unsafe and uproot or snap possibly causing property damage and injury. On older plants may show symptoms for a season or more before death; however, younger plants can die within two weeks of showing symptoms.

Susceptible Species:

Phytophthora affects a wide range of plants. In the DC metro area, our arborists typically see Phytophora on the following hosts: Azalea, rhododendron, Japanese holly, boxwood, hemlock, mountain laurel, dogwood, fir, camellia, white pine, oaks, beech, fruit trees, sugar & red maples. 


Above Ground Symptoms Of Phytophthora Root Rot include

  • Suppressed growth
  • Poor Vigor
  • Yellow or undersized needles/leaves
  • Premature needle/leaf drop
  • Branch dieback
  • Drooping of leaves
  • Curling of leaves
  • Leaves turning brown
  • Death – if not treated or removed
  • Loss of dark green color


Need Help With Phytophthora Root Rot?

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Or Call 703-573-3029


Factors Favoring Phytophthora Root Rot

High soil moisture and warm soil temperature favor Phytophthora Root Rot. The disease is common in areas where run-off or rainwater collects around the roots of plants. Overwatering your plants can also lead to the development of Phytophthora.

Prevention & Treatments:

Purchase Disease Free Plants: Since most plants never truly get rid of Phytophthora Root Rot once infected it’s very important to make sure the plants you buy are disease free.  Buy plants at a reputable nursery and avoid plants that lack normal green color or appear wilted.

Plant Root Rot Susceptible Plants in Well Drained Soil: Some plants are highly susceptible to Phytophthora Root Rot which means that if given the right conditions they will most likely contract Phytophthora and die. It very important to plant these species in well-drained soil since slow draining and wet soils are great breeding grounds for Phytophthora.

Camellia sasanqua - resistant to Phytophthora Root Rot
Camellia sasanqua – resistant to Phytophthora Root Rot

Plant Resistant Plants Especially In Wet Soil: Just as some plants are susceptible to Phytophthora Root Rot, some plants are naturally resistant. When you have soil conditions that favor Phytophthora you should always plant resistant cultivars.

Certain types of rhododendrons: Caroline, Martha Isaacson, Professor Hugo de Vries and Red Head

Certain types of Azales: Rhododendron poukhanese, Formosa, Fakir and Corrine Murrah

Camellia sasanqua is resistant as wells not to be confused with Camellia japonica which is highly susceptible to Phytophthora Root Rot.

Fungicide Treatment: The spread of Phytophthora Root Rot in an already infected tree/shrub can be reduced through the use of properly applied fungicide treatments. Fungicide treatment can also help stop the spread of Phytophthora to other plants in your landscape.

Tree Removal: In certain cases removing a tree infected with Phytophthora Root Rot is the best choice. Trees that already suffered extensive root damage are not structurally safe and can snap and uproot in a storm. Trees in this situation are extremely dangerous and need to be removed as soon as possible.

If you think your trees or shrubs are infected with Phytophthora Root Rot book a consultation with our Arborist online or by calling 703-573-3029. Our Certified Arborists will be able to develop the best treatment and help you institute preventative measure to stop the spread Phytophthora Root Rot to new trees/shrubs.

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Google Reviews

Grey Burkhart
Grey Burkhart
March 29, 2022.
Verified
Very professional review of our requirements and an accurate estimate. Showed up on time and were finished quickly. Cleaned up all of the debris and sawdust. Great job all around.
Dennis Bruns
Dennis Bruns
March 8, 2022.
Verified
We have used RTEC Treecare for several years. They do excellent work. Their staff is extremely knowledgeable and take great care in explaining the various options available for your particular situation. I highly recommend them.
Annette Iannucci
Annette Iannucci
February 23, 2022.
Verified
We have been using RTEC for years and were very pleased with the recent tree maintenance work they did for us. As always, we got good advice from their arborist Ben,. The crew that did the work is highly skilled, and they did a great job trimming our trees. They worked safely and efficiently, in addition to leaving the yard clean after they finished the work.
Susan Crawford
Susan Crawford
January 26, 2022.
Verified
RTEC was at my house today to removed a large Magnolia that was badly damaged by the recent snow. They did a fantastic job at a very reasonable price. They arrived right on time, worked efficiently and quickly and cleaned up so well it was hard to tell anything have been disturbed. Over the past several years, I have used RTEC for all the services I checked above, and have always been very pleased with their service and professionalism. I also appreciate that they are not eager to take down trees that don't need to come down. In this case, the damage was too extensive for the tree to recover.
Kenton Morgan
Kenton Morgan
January 20, 2022.
Verified
Once again, RTEC has done a great job. The team showed up right on time and performed all the work that we agreed to. They kept us informed as to progress, coordinated with us concerning our maple, and made recommendations concerning ongoing support for our trees. At the end of the day, they thoroughly cleaned up the debris and left our yard in pristine condition. WELL DONE.
Jean Kluttz
Jean Kluttz
January 3, 2022.
Verified
Not our first time but this time was tricky removal of a large dead tree leaning on a healthy tree. Quick response for estimate, good timing to removal, all clear and healthy tree still fine.
Jerry Haggin
Jerry Haggin
December 16, 2021.
Verified
Very good work while ensuring that I was aware of status of my work order and planned completion.
Mike Iger
Mike Iger
December 16, 2021.
Verified
David Roberts
David Roberts
December 15, 2021.
Verified
We’ve used RTEC for many years for tree maintenance and can’t say enough good things about their service. We use them for tree trimming and for regular treatments to maintain our trees’ health and deal with pests and prevent disease. Their arborist Ben has been especially helpful with advice. RTEC also been especially helpful in emergency situations, once coming to cable a massive, heritage oak in our yard right before a hurricane was about to hit. Highly recommend.
Travis Larson
Travis Larson
December 10, 2021.
Verified
RTEC did an excellent job onsite of removing dead branches from our 80+ year old trees, and trimming other growth too close to our home.
Google rating score: 4.8 of 5, based on 185 reviews.

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