WHAT IS CAUSING MY FORTY YEAR OLD OAK TREE TO BE EATEN ALIVE TOP TO BOTTOM. - Ask Extension
I am trying to determine if my oak tree has OAK WILT DISEASE. I do not see any damage in the trunk. There is a fragrant smell to the leaves. There are...
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WHAT IS CAUSING MY FORTY YEAR OLD OAK TREE TO BE EATEN ALIVE TOP TO BOTTOM. #871700
Asked June 05, 2024, 11:56 AM EDT
I am trying to determine if my oak tree has OAK WILT DISEASE. I do not see any damage in the trunk. There is a fragrant smell to the leaves. There are also flat and raised light green bumps on the leaves. I found an insect that looks like an ant not a beetle on one of the leaves. If it is not OAK WILT DISEASE can you identify it and give me direction on the options and ore precautions I should take. I am enclosing pictures!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP☺️
Genesee County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Marian,
This is likely oak leaf blister (caused by a fungus) or oak leaf blister mite (caused by an insect). I suspect the latter. The article at the link below has pictures and explanations of each:
https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1322
Neither one will negatively affect the overall health of the tree. I see the ants are already at work to provide biological control of the mite. Other insects will also work to lower the pest populations. So, best to do nothing as spraying insecticide for the mites will also kill mite predators. Allowing the predators to work will limit the issue in subsequent years.
I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you,
-Julie
This is likely oak leaf blister (caused by a fungus) or oak leaf blister mite (caused by an insect). I suspect the latter. The article at the link below has pictures and explanations of each:
https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1322
Neither one will negatively affect the overall health of the tree. I see the ants are already at work to provide biological control of the mite. Other insects will also work to lower the pest populations. So, best to do nothing as spraying insecticide for the mites will also kill mite predators. Allowing the predators to work will limit the issue in subsequent years.
I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you,
-Julie
Hi,
Just wanted to to thank you for your help in identifying what was happening to my oak tree! You made my day!
Sent from my iPad
Sent from my iPad
On Jun 6, 2024, at 10:09 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
