My burr oak tree line is showing signs of disease. I think it may be oak wilt or some thing else. - Ask Extension
Are my trees infected with the oak wilt disease?
Knowledgebase
My burr oak tree line is showing signs of disease. I think it may be oak wilt or some thing else. #852369
Asked October 06, 2023, 11:21 AM EDT
Are my trees infected with the oak wilt disease?
Washtenaw County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Mary,
This time of year the protective coating on leaves begin to break down making tree leaves very susceptible to fungal leaf spots. This could be what is going on with your tree. However, an arborist on site could help you determine whether sending in a sample for testing would be wise. We always recommend consulting an ISA-certified arborist. Find one here: https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist If they are concerned about possible oak wilt, a sample should be sent to the MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic lab. (This is the only way to confirm oak wilt in a live tree). The following website provides more information on how to submit samples. https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/submit-samples/ For tips on how to submit a sample for oak wilt, look at #2 on the list- "trees with suspected vascular wilt". This is something you could do on your own if you are concerned- it is very inexpensive and could bring you peace of mind. Read more about oak wilt here:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/smart-gardening-to-prevent-oak-wilt
I hope this is helpful.
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.
Ruth
This time of year the protective coating on leaves begin to break down making tree leaves very susceptible to fungal leaf spots. This could be what is going on with your tree. However, an arborist on site could help you determine whether sending in a sample for testing would be wise. We always recommend consulting an ISA-certified arborist. Find one here: https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist If they are concerned about possible oak wilt, a sample should be sent to the MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic lab. (This is the only way to confirm oak wilt in a live tree). The following website provides more information on how to submit samples. https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/submit-samples/ For tips on how to submit a sample for oak wilt, look at #2 on the list- "trees with suspected vascular wilt". This is something you could do on your own if you are concerned- it is very inexpensive and could bring you peace of mind. Read more about oak wilt here:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/smart-gardening-to-prevent-oak-wilt
I hope this is helpful.
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.
Ruth
