Which Oak Trees are Susceptible?

All Oak trees can become victims of Oak Wilt, however, there are some species that seem to be more susceptible than others. Red Oaks, namely Spanish Oaks, are highly-susceptible, while on the other end of the spectrum, White Oaks are resistant to Ceratocystis fagacearum and are hardly ever affected by the disease.

Is Oak Wilt Contagious?

Oak Wilt is spread in one of two ways. The fungus can be carried from tree to tree by beetles and other insects, or it can spread through grafting roof. If you have an Oak tree that is currently affected, and it is located next to another Oak, there is a good chance the disease will spread through the root systems. However, the disease can also travel over long distances with the help of insects.

What are the Signs of Oak Wilt?

Although signs are hard to tell, you can try inspect your trees to determine whether or not Oak Wilt is to blame for their decline. Most often, laboratory cultures are the only way to truly know if Oak Wilt is present. White oaks exhibit leaf decline, such as wilting leaves, discolored leaves, dropping leaves, and dead leaves, while Red oaks barely show any signs at all. You will need a licensed tree care contractor to help with your tree diagnosis.

How Do I Protect My Tree From Oak Wilt?

Unfortunately, there is no way to control the spread of Oak Wilt, but there are ways to protect your tree from becoming infected. Preventative maintenance is the key to preventing Oak Wilt. This involve routine tree care, such as pruning, fertilizing, and spraying. Proper pruning is important to prevent open wounds in trees. For this same reason, you must also take extreme care when mowing the lawn or weed-trimming. It is also important to properly dispose of trees that were infected, otherwise, spreading will likely occur. An insecticide spray can be used prior to infection, as well.

Is it Possible to Cure an Infected Oak Tree?

Once a tree is infected with Ceratocystis fagacearum, it is a challenge to treat unless the tree is fairly young. The most common technique is to sever the root connections in order to stop the transmission of the fungus. However, this is not always a success if there is a large Oak Wilt epidemic in the area. There are no other current chemical treatments for Oak Wilt. Tree removal and root disconnection are the most effective treatments available.

Ash trees are a common species here in Indiana. But unfortunately, through the months of May and August they are primary targets for an invasive beetle called the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). These flat-backed, metallic-green beetles are not from around here though. They arrived from Asia over a decade ago inside packing material made from Ash wood. And although first detected in Detroit, Michigan in 2002, they are now found all across the mid-West and eastern coasts as a result of interstate commerce and transportation of Ash firewood, nursery stock, and logs.

Identify Ash Trees

When EABs attack Ash trees, you can see the signs and symptoms within a few days. To determine if your trees are Ash trees, look at their branches and the placement of their twigs. Ash trees have branches with twigs that grow opposite of each other, somewhat like human arms. If the twigs are staggered, it is not an Ash tree. If you do have Ash trees, the next step in determining if they are under attack by EABs, you need to learn the signs and symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms

Keep in mind that many signs and symptoms of Emerald Ash Borer attacks are similar to other tree diseases and Ash tree pests. So it is best to talk to a professional tree care specialist to know for sure if your Ash trees are infested, or simply ill from other circumstances. Here are the common signs and symptoms Ash Trees exhibit under stress from Emerald Ash Borers:

EAB Symptoms:

Woodpeckers – If Ash trees are experiencing increased woodpecker activity, it is a sign that Emerald Ash Borers are present. Woodpeckers love these juicy larvae, and will feed on them constantly if they are in your Ash trees.

Epicormic Sprouting – This is a common symptom of a tree under duress. Epicormic sprouting is when a tree starts to grow branches and leaves from anywhere it can, as a desperate attempt to thrive. These branches and leaves usually grow from the base of the trees and the trunk.

Bark Splits – Vertical splits in the bark occur from callus tissue growth that develops as a result of larval galleries. In fact, you can often see larval galleries underneath bark splits.

Crown Die-Back – After several years of EAB larvae feeding, Ash trees will suffer from upper and outer crown die-back. Since EAB larvae prevents adequate nutrition and water intake for an Ash tree, the leaves begin to drop and the branches begin to die throughout the canopy. Foliage discoloration at tree tops can also occur.

EAB Signs:

Letter-Shaped Holes – Holes that appear in the shape of an “S” or a “D” are common signs of larvae galleries and emergence holes for adult beetles. They are usually around an 1/8 of an inch wide. Larval galleries create the S-shaped holes, while emerging adult beetles create the D-shaped holes.

Larvae – If you can see larvae feeding underneath an Ash tree’s bark, then it is most likely an EAB infestation. They are cream-colored larvae, slightly-flattened and up to 1 ½ inch long.

Beetles – If you can see adult green beetles, they could very-well be Emerald Ash Borers. It is encouraged to contact a licensed tree service company for help identifying EABs, and resolving Emerald Ash Borer problems.

Budget Tree Care

Call Budget Tree Care at 317-590-1842 for professional tree removal and tree care in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Owner, Curt Scott, has several decades of experience in the tree care industry, and uses the latest advancements and technologies to provide quality tree service at an affordable price. In fact, we guarantee to FIT YOUR BUDGET! Request a free estimate or free tree care advice, anytime. Call 317-590-1842 to speak with Curt directly, and see for yourself just how affordable Indianapolis tree service can be!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Oak Wilt Tree Disease

Oak trees are magnificent parts of our landscapes. So when they begin to show signs of disease or infestation, it is only natural for us to be concerned. Learn about Oak Wilt, a common tree disease that may be the cause of your current Oak tree problems.