I have 3 large mature whi... - Ask Extension
I have 3 large mature white oaks about 2.5 feet in diameter each. They are in somewhat of a row about 25' apart (roots and branches touching). Oak 1...
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I have 3 large mature whi... #261611
Asked July 13, 2015, 5:03 PM EDT
I have 3 large mature white oaks about 2.5 feet in diameter each. They are in somewhat of a row about 25' apart (roots and branches touching). Oak 1 in years past would have a branch lose leaves in late summer before the rest of the branches. I assumed it to be a result of drought stress. This year, Oak 2 (middle oak has dropped 1/4 of it's leaves. Oak 3 is healthy. There hasn't been any construction damage over the roots of any of these oaks. Some of the fallen leaves of Oak 2 are speckled with black spots. Most other leaves of Oak 2 are simple brown at base of leave near petiole. I see so reports of oak wilt in this area.
Todd County Minnesota
Expert Response
Oak 2 might be affected by jumping oak galls. Compare the photos and information at the following websites and see what you think:
http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/jumping_oak_gall_causing_damage_to_white_oak
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/other/galls/jumping-oak-galls.aspx
Oak wilt leaf pattern is the opposite of what you have described--brown at the tips that progresses to the petiole, the area near the petiole being the last to go brown.
http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/jumping_oak_gall_causing_damage_to_white_oak
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/other/galls/jumping-oak-galls.aspx
Oak wilt leaf pattern is the opposite of what you have described--brown at the tips that progresses to the petiole, the area near the petiole being the last to go brown.