Knowledgebase

Oak Wilt? #877513

Asked July 16, 2024, 4:26 PM EDT

I have two mature red oak trees adjacent to each other. In the attached pictures, the one of the right has brown patches on all of its leaves, the one on the left does not have the brown patches, but has what looks like sap stains on the bark. Is this oak wilt? Are these trees both doomed? What would you recommend for next steps? Pictures included.

Anoka County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for writing.  There are now several diseases in MN that look like oak wilt although the outcome is the same.  This disease affects neighboring roots by travelling through roots. https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/oak-wilt-minnesota
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/treecare/forest_health/oakwilt/management.html

You should call an arborist to help you diagnose and manage this tree and assess for local spread.https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/oak-wilt-minnesota

Please check with your city government for special regulations on disposing of trees infected. 
Steve Miles, Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I am a human being, not a bot nor AI). I am an avid gardener but am not a degreed or certified horticulturist or arborist. I am happy to receive follow-up questions if my responses are incomplete or unclear.  This is the University of MN' garden soil testing service.  https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden This is guidance on how to find a tree expert.  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a wonderful place to see and learn about plants that grow in Minnesota. https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/minnesota-landscape-arboretum Replied July 17, 2024, 12:29 AM EDT

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