06/24/2024
Oak wilt is a vascular disease of oak trees, caused by the fungus Bretziella fagacearum*. The fungus grows on the outer sapwood of oak trees, restricting the flow of water and nutrients through the tree. Some oak species are more vulnerable than others and can die within a year of infection. In some severe cases, red oaks can mortality can occur within 2-6 weeks following infection.
Don’t prune or damage oak trees between April and October, as this is the most vulnerable time for overland spore spread. If pruning must occur, paint a thin layer of wound paint or shellac on thewound immediately. Wounds caused by storms or other events should also be painted immediately
Oak wilt is a vascular disease of oak trees. The fungus grows on the outer sapwood of oak trees, restricting the flow of water and nutrients.