Which pests and diseases are most common in plane trees in Palma, and how are they treated?

Plane trees in Palma, much like in other Mediterranean regions, are particularly susceptible to a few common pests and diseases that can affect their health and longevity. One of the most frequent afflictions is powdery mildew, a fungal disease that appears as a white or grayish powder on the leaves, typically in dry, warm conditions. This fungus can weaken the tree by reducing photosynthesis and causing premature leaf drop. Another significant concern is anthracnose, which causes dark, sunken lesions on leaves and sometimes on the bark, leading to defoliation if left untreated. The combination of these diseases can create a stressful environment for the plane trees, especially in urban settings like Palma where environmental stresses are already heightened.

Among pests, the plane tree lace bug is often observed, feeding on the undersides of leaves and causing yellowing and spotting that diminishes the tree's vigor. In some cases, infestations of scale insects or aphids may also occur, leading to sooty mold growth through the secretion of honeydew and further weakening the tree. Treatment approaches in Palma focus primarily on cultural and preventive measures to maintain tree vigor, such as proper watering, pruning, and avoiding unnecessary stress. When fungal diseases like powdery mildew or anthracnose are severe, fungicidal sprays may be applied early in the growing season to reduce spread, although care is taken to choose treatments environmentally suitable for urban landscapes.

For pest control, integrated pest management strategies are preferred, encouraging natural predators and using insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils as necessary to keep populations in check. Physical removal of heavily infested leaves or branches might also be practiced to limit damage. Overall, managing plane tree health in Palma requires attentive monitoring and timely intervention, balancing effective treatment with the need to preserve the tree's natural beauty and ecological role within the city. By combining these methods, local arborists and gardeners work to ensure that plane trees continue to enhance the streets and parks of Palma with their characteristic shade and elegance.