Young Red Oak with Tubakia - Ask Extension
Hi, we have a 3 year old, 6' tall red oak in eastern Iowa. Sandy soil. It's foliage is plentiful but unfortunately it seems to have Tubakia affectin...
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Young Red Oak with Tubakia #870825
Asked May 30, 2024, 5:00 PM EDT
Hi, we have a 3 year old, 6' tall red oak in eastern Iowa. Sandy soil. It's foliage is plentiful but unfortunately it seems to have Tubakia affecting most of the leaves. From what I have read, fungicide is not suggested. Can you give me ideas of what should be done to boost it's immune system and help it live? We have never used fertilizer.
Go Cyclones! Proud mom of 2024 ISU Env Sci graduate
Benton County Iowa
Expert Response
It can be difficult to diagnose diseases from photos alone. It is a bit early in the growing season for Tubakia symptoms to be showing (its typically something that doesn't show itself until August or September).
I would recommend contacting the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic so they can provide more information and test to determine the exact issue. Some disease issues, like Tubakia, do not require much action, but others, like oak wilt, would require action.
Start by sending them some photos and they can advise on how to collect and send in a sample for testing, if needed.
More information here: https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/pidc
Continue to provide good care for this tree. It is still not fully established in the landscape being only three years old, so watering when conditions are dry and protecting the tree from damage (such as from mowers or string trimmers) is beneficial. Fertilizers or other products are not recommended as an "immune booster." Just provide good care and work with the Clinic to identify the disease or problem so you can then treat if needed.
I would recommend contacting the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic so they can provide more information and test to determine the exact issue. Some disease issues, like Tubakia, do not require much action, but others, like oak wilt, would require action.
Start by sending them some photos and they can advise on how to collect and send in a sample for testing, if needed.
More information here: https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/pidc
Continue to provide good care for this tree. It is still not fully established in the landscape being only three years old, so watering when conditions are dry and protecting the tree from damage (such as from mowers or string trimmers) is beneficial. Fertilizers or other products are not recommended as an "immune booster." Just provide good care and work with the Clinic to identify the disease or problem so you can then treat if needed.
