I have numerous oak trees, both which and red. A couple years ago, one large tree started turning brown and dried up in a very short time. This year ...
Knowledgebase
oak tree issues #772749
Asked September 22, 2021, 6:01 PM EDT
I have numerous oak trees, both which and red. A couple years ago, one large tree started turning brown and dried up in a very short time. This year another one a little ways down from it did the same, and now there are a couple more closer to the house, that look like they are doing the same thing. I hate to think of having to cut down all the oak trees. I still have some behind the house. I wondered if it was some sort of bug or fungus. I had them trimmed a couple years ago, and am thinking it may have caused something?? I happened to talk to a neighbor across the cul de sac and he mentioned that a couple years ago he had to cut down his oak trees. That seems to me that something is moving from one to another. HELP. maybe there isn't anything I can do at this point. Please give me some information. Thank you. I live about three miles North of New Market, South of the city. I don;'t have pictures at this point, but can get some.
Scott CountyMinnesota
Expert Response
Without more information we can’t say for sure what is happening. It may be oak wilt. This disease can quickly kill oak trees. See the following website for what to look for:
Thank you. I tried to take some pictures, but they do not show as well as I had hoped, and it is hard to see the coloring. I may try now when the sun is in a different position. What is the cost of doing treatment on affected trees or trees that a person is trying to prevent it from happening to? Like I said, I have a lot of oak trees and they are my favorite. A person can't just plant a new one and expect to see much in a few years since they grow slow. These have been here a while, but I don't believe they are a hundred years old, but maybe 50 or 75 so are good sized. Anyway, thank you for your time and information. There is definitely something going on since the trees have done okay in the 22 years I have been here.
We recommend an arborist confirm the problem onsite. Treatments include root cutting and chemical as described at the website above. Once symptoms appear it is too late for treatment. An onsite inspection by an arborist to determine the problem is the first step. The following website will help you find an arborist. Some will not charge for an initial visit.