Knowledgebase

First-time Oak Tree problem #242277

Asked May 06, 2015, 5:42 PM EDT

We live in a heavily wooded oak forest area. Several of the trees on the east side of our house, this year, are showing this problem! (see attached photo) Photo taken today (from inside, looking out window) Does it seem as though it could be an insect?  Will it kill my trees?

Jefferson County Iowa

Expert Response

The symptoms on the oak trees may be due to anthracnose. Anthracnose is a common fungal disease of shade trees in Iowa. Fortunately, anthracnose does not cause serious harm to healthy, well established trees. Control efforts are unnecessary

Additional information on anthracnose can be found at the following website. 

https://store.extension.iastate.edu/Product/pm1280-pdf






An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 07, 2015, 10:44 AM EDT
I have just been online to investigate a little further. These are newly opened leaves that have been affected... if you will notice the tips of most are rolled, as if housing a caterpillar... These leaves don't seem to have the same appearance as brown "scorched" marks on full-sized leaves. Other trees' leaves are fully developed and formed. Note the three photos attached. I was wondering about either the Oak leaftier and the Oak leafroller? Thank you for your help!
The Question Asker Replied May 07, 2015, 7:37 PM EDT
If the damage to the oak leaves is not due to anthracnose, it's probably oak tatters. The exact cause of oak tatters is unknown.   Information on oak tatters can be found at the following websites. 

http://hort.uwex.edu/articles/tatters
http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/pest_al/oaktatters/oaktatters.htm

The damage to the oak leaves is not due to the oak leafroller or similar insects. 
An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 08, 2015, 2:53 PM EDT

Loading ...