Trees enhance the beauty of a landscape. Unfortunately, oak wilt is a common disease that affects oaks throughout Missouri, diminishing their appeal. Luckily, tree services prevent the infection from affecting the surrounding landscape. Review the information below to learn more about this issue.

What Is Oak Wilt?

This is a tree disease caused by a fungus that infiltrates the water-conducting tissues of the oak species. Sap-feeding beetles carry the fungus’s spores. Once the spores enter the tree through a burrow, the fungus can spread to other trees by moving through the roots.

Although this disease affects all oak species, the red variety is more susceptible to it. Oak wilt is lethal, so many surrounding trees may die without intervention from a tree service. Browning and wilting leaves indicate distress. Affected leaves may become a dull green before wilting and turning tan or bronze. 

In red oaks, the upper crown is the first to change, while white oaks exhibit wilting among scattered branches throughout the crown. Occasionally, black and brown streaks are visible beneath the bark of infected branches. Red oaks can lose their leaves within two to six weeks, while white oaks can remain infected for years before dying.

How Do You Prevent & Control This Condition?

Since oak wilt affects trees during the growing months, avoid having them pruned from mid-March to June. If you must have a damaged limb removed, the tree service professional should immediately seal the area with a commercial tree wound dressing. If you use firewood from the infected tree, keep it tightly covered in plastic to prevent the spores from reaching nearby growth.

An infected oak cannot be cured. However, you can control the spread of the fungus and prolong the life of nearby trees with the help of a professional tree service. An arborist may inject a fungicide into trees near the affected area to keep them safe from symptoms. Alternatively, the arborist may remove affected roots with mechanical trenching or chemicals. This way, the fungus won’t spread to healthy oaks. 

If you notice unusual qualities in your trees, reach out to Liscombe Tree Service. Based in St. Charles, MO, this experienced team of arborists is dedicated to providing exceptional care. They offer everything from health inspections to pruning and stump grinding. Call (314) 650-9055 to set up an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about their work.