Oak Tree Diseases

Since the oak tree is considered to be a symbol of strength and longevity, it is hard to imagine a situation where the sturdy old oak can catch a flu. But the oak tree too is susceptible to disease. And these diseases are often fatal to the tree. These oak tree diseases are, of course, separate from attacks by insects such as forest tent caterpillars, gypsy moths, oak leaftiers, etc.

Diseases that Affect Oak Tree

Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungus-related disease. Anthracnose fungi are closely related and feed on white oak and other shade trees. Anthracnose fungi have families that only attack one tree, e.g., the white oak anthracnose will not attack any other tree except the white oak. This fungus causes defoliation, killing and girdling of buds and twigs, and premature loss of leaves. While this disease is not exactly fatal to the tree, repeated occurrences of this disease may cause stunted growth in the tree.

Oak Tatters
Oak tatters is a condition in which the oak leaves become lacy or tattered. It primarily affects the white oak group, while the occurrence of oak tatters is quite rare in other forms of the tree. One of the symptoms of oak tatters is the lack of veins in the tree. Oak tatters lead to faster regeneration of leaves, which stresses the tree. The healthy trees can survive this disease, but the weaker trees succumb to it.

Oak Wilt
Of all the diseases to affect the oak tree, the oak wilt may be the most fatal. Oak wilt is a fungal infection that affects the tree's vascular system, thus obstructing the flow of vital nutrients and water. The symptoms of oak wilt are loss of color, early fall of leaves and, sometimes, appearance of a mat of fungus on the bark. Sadly, oak wilt cannot be cured. We can only save the other trees in the vicinity by killing the affected oak.

Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is also a fungal condition that does not kill the tree directly, but makes it susceptible to disease by weakening its immune system. The first signs of mildew are yellow and green spots which eventually look as if the tree is covered with a veil of talcum powder. Powdery mildew can be cured with the help of fungicides.

Wetwood
Wetwood is a bacterial condition that affects the oak. The early symptom of this disease is sliminess on the bark. This sliminess attracts insects and green fungus on oak tree that further the damage. An oak tree can be saved from wetwood only in the earliest stages of the disease, if the infected portion is cut. Otherwise, the tree will have to be cut down and burned to avoid the spread of wetwood to other trees.

Thus, we can see that some of the oak tree diseases can be cured, if detected early enough. So we have to keep an eye on our beloved oak to avoid occurrence and exacerbation of these diseases.