For as long as anyone can remember, the linden tree has been a popular and culture-creating deciduous tree. They are still often found in parks, gardens and on avenues. However, it is not immune to diseases and pests - some plagues are even part of the standard seasonal program.
Mushrooms can cause problems for the linden tree
What the linden tree can tackle
The lime tree is most likely to be afflicted by the following parasites and harmful influences:
- pests
- mushrooms
pests
The most common health problem in linden trees are pests. There are a handful of varieties that have specialized in particular on the lime tree. These also have the name of their host in their name, such as the linden jewel beetle, the linden spider mite or the linden sawfly. But the common aphid also likes to attack the park and garden tree.
Lime jewel beetle
The linden jewel beetle primarily attacks previously damaged, weakened linden trees. The first signs of infestation are withered leaves, swelling bark and draining plant sap. It is important to pay attention to these rather inconspicuous indications and then to act quickly - because in an advanced stage of the jewel beetle infestation the lime tree can often no longer be saved. Measures include removing and burning infested branches or an insecticide.
linden spider mite
It causes browning and shedding of the leaves. As with spider mites in general, you can identify the infestation relatively easily by the silvery-grey leaf coating and the fine webs. In addition, the yellow, red-eyed mites are visible to the naked eye. You can prevent this by applying a glue ring to the trunk in the spring. The best way to fight the parasite is naturally with predatory mites, which you can get in specialist shops.
linden sawfly
Lime sawflies lay their eggs on the underside of leaves. After hatching, the larvae eat their way through the underside of the leaf and cause the leaves to turn brown and fall off. Here, too, it is important to act quickly - because if the first generation survives and a second pupates in the ground, the extent of the damage will become really serious in the following year. You should also fight the linden sawfly through the targeted use of beneficial insects, such as lacewings or ladybirds.
mushrooms
You can avoid fungal infestation by only carrying out cutting work with clean equipment. You can usually recognize fungi by premature discoloration and falling of the leaves. Diseased parts of the plant must be removed, and in advanced stages, the use of fungicides is also conceivable.