Unfortunately, we've had many reports of dying chestnut oaks, in particular, over the last several years. No insect or disease has been found to be the cause, so that means it is probably related to environment/climate/weather conditions, stress in urban areas, etc. Multiple years of drought and heatwaves may be contributing to the problem.

Here is information on some of the factors believed to be involved in oak decline:

https://extension.umd.edu/resource/why-oak-trees-are-declining-or-dying

Here also is information on oak decline and what tree owners can do. https://forestupdate.frec.vt.edu/content/dam/forestupdate_frec_vt_edu/resources/publications/OakDeclineinNorthernVirginiaFactSheet.pdf

If you can, we do highly recommend replanting oak trees as replacements. They are considered a keystone plant in this area because they support so many species of native wildlife. White oak, chinquapin oak, and swamp white oak all handle more soil moisture than chestnut oaks. Our recommendation, in general, would be to go with ones in the white oak group rather than red oaks, the latter being more susceptible to bacterial leaf scorch disease.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and some county governments offer rebates for native tree planting.

https://dnr.maryland.gov/forests/pages/marylandersplanttrees/introduction.aspx

https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/environment/forestsandtrees/WIP.html

Christa