Oak Wilt a disease is spreading across southwest Ohio harming and killing Oak trees.
If you love your majestic Oaks for the wildlife food and shelter benefits they provide, please do not prune from April to November.
Caused by a contagious fungal infection easily spread among Oak trees, Oak Wilt is at its peak April 15th – July 15th.
Species Affected
Northern Red Oak, Black Oak and Pin Oak are the most susceptible declining at a rapid speed. Although, all species can be affected. Early detection is crucial as trees can die within weeks.
Visible Signs
Leaves start to wither in the upper canopy on whole branches or crown portions and turn red-brown, falling prematurely.
Also, diseased trees may get a flush of new leaves on lower branches before dying.
Other diseases can cause similar symptoms and it is critical to get proper diagnosis.
Source of Infection
(1) above ground by sap-feeding picnic beetles migrating to an open wound from pruning or storm damage.
(2) underground via neighboring tree root systems.
Safety Hazards
Once the tree has succumbed to the infection, it can pose safety hazards for you and your neighbors depending on location near your home or other structures.
If you have an Oak with storm damage when pruning is not advised and it is a safety issue to address now, it is imperative to prune and treat immediately to protect the tree.
For Oak tree(s) exhibiting signs of infection, Fitzwater provides professional ISA Certified Arborists on staff trained to properly diagnose and prescribe the best course of action for Oak Wilt or other diseases.
If your Oak(s) are not exhibiting signs but you want to ensure their health, we can do testing for peace of mind and enduring benefits to your landscape and wildlife habitat.
Contact us for an evaluation
We’re here to help.