Is There a Disease Affecting Oak Trees

Oak wilt

What is wrong with the oak trees this year?

Anthracnose has been a widespread disease on white oak trees this season. Spring conditions that are cool and wet favor the development of anthracnose diseases. Although the common name of the disease sounds quite alarming, it is actually a fairly minor problem on established oak trees.

What is attacking oak trees?

Hypoxalon canker is an opportunistic fungus that may attack any type of oak tree that is stressed or weakened from disease, environmental or other factors. It spreads by spores from diseased to healthy trees. Infection causes dead lesions on limbs, branches, or trunks as it develops under bark.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.

Share this article
Twitter Facebook Pinterest