09/10/2025
Keep your eyes peeled!
There’s something shady about oak wilt, and it moves fast! 🌳
This invasive fungus can kill oak trees quickly — sometimes in just a few weeks.
All oak species can be affected, but red oaks are most susceptible.
Oak wilt is spread by tiny sap beetles and root contact between infected trees. 🪲
Our science staff are studying sap beetle movement and fungal DNA found in infected trees to better understand how to detect oak wilt early and minimize its spread. Since the first detection in 2023, oak wilt has been found in the Niagara and Barrie areas.
How can you help prevent the spread of oak wilt?
- April to November: avoid pruning oak when sap beetles that can spread oak wilt are active
- mid to late summer: watch for trees wilting and shedding discoloured leaves
- don’t move firewood
- report suspected infections to [email protected]
Learn more at ontario.ca/page/oak-wilt.