Oak Wilt is a highly aggressive tree disease that affects all types of oak trees. One of the most susceptible is the NJ State Tree – the Red Oak. This fungal disease has been attacking trees in neighboring states, and if spread to NJ can cause significant harm to our tree population. If you see any of the signs of Oak Wilt, Please Alert the NJDEP immediately, and get a Licensed Tree Expert out to your location as quickly as possible to prevent the spread of the disease.
It’s symptoms commonly consist of discoloration of leaves, wilt, defoliation and the death of the tree.
Insects spread the disease-causing fungus from an infected tree to a healthy tree. Because the disease is also spread via root connections, replacement of a removed oak should not be attempted in the same location for some time. The disease is often managed by removing infected trees and breaking root connections with trenchers, hoes and rocksaws. Fungicide treatments are available to help thwart the spread of this disease.