Common Midwest Oak Tree Diseases: Oak Wilt
Do my trees have oak wilt? Oak wilt is a disease that afflicts red and white oak species. It is seen more commonly on red oaks and can affect them quite seriously. It is essential to identify and treat this disease as soon as possible to prevent the spread of this disease and rapid tree loss. What Causes Oak Wilt? Oak wilt is caused by a fungus. The specific fungus identified with this disease is Ceratocystis fagacearum. The fungus invades the xylem vessels found in the leaves. Trees attempt to stop the spread of the disease by plugging up these vessels, which stops the flow of water and nutrients to the leaves and causing them to wilt. Symptoms typically occur in the mid to late summer and will rapidly progress. Signs of Oak Wilt Oak wilt begins at leaf tips and margins, moving toward the center of the leaf. Signs of marginal water soaking accompany leaf browning and scorch-like bronzing, with leaves wilting from the top down and outside in. Once effected, leaves...
