On trees used mainly for ornamental purposes, even a moderate level of anthracnose may cause unacceptable aesthetic damage. In most cases, control of anthracnose is unnecessary because the disease is usually not damaging to the long-term health of trees. When control is desired, various techniques can help reduce the severity of the disease. Raking and destroying fallen leaves and twigs and pruning out dead branches on the tree will help reduce the overwintering population of anthracnose fungi. Pruning will also increase air circulation in the canopy, reducing the time that wet conditions, which favor fungal infection, are present on leaf surfaces.
Healthy trees are more likely to recover from a severe anthracnose attack than are stressed trees.
Mulching and watering during dry periods will help keep trees healthy. When selecting trees to plant, species or cultivars that are less susceptible to anthracnose should be chosen. London planetree is much less susceptible to anthracnose than American sycamore. Northern red and pin oaks are usually less severely affected than white oak species, and green ash is relatively resistant compared to white ash. At planting time, trees should be spaced far enough apart to allow good air circulation when the trees are fully grown.