Problems With Oak Tree Leaves

Oak Wilt

• One of the most significant problems that oak tree leaves can develop is oak wilt, a fungal disease caused by the pathogen Ceratocystis fagacearum. This often fatal disease is extremely dangerous in all members of the red oak group, but white oaks display resistance to the fungus. Early spring or late summer is when symptoms initiate. The crown of the tree is first affected and the foliage begins to display a dull, brown color at the tips and margins.

Wilt Effects

• Oak leaves begin to wilt within the first few weeks of infection, then drop to the ground in large numbers. Even green leaves will fall. There is no cure for oak wilt. In most instances, the tree will die within one year. However, members of the white oak family are less susceptible to the disease and white oaks may continue to live for two years or more. Oak wilt is highly contagious and infected trees should be removed and destroyed.

Iron Chlorosis

• The condition known as iron chlorosis is generally not fatal to any oak tree. However, it causes aesthetic damage to the leaves, turning them prematurely yellow, although the veins retain their dark green color. Chlorosis is brought about when the tree is unable to receive a sufficient supply of iron from the earth, usually because the alkalinity of the soil is high. Balancing the earth with a more substantial level of acidity helps oak leaves to recover from iron chlorosis.

Anthracnose

• Anthracnose is a fungal disease that spreads especially easily during wet seasons as the spores of the fungus are carried by wind and rain. They settle on the leaves of an oak tree and tiny brown spots begin to appear on the foliage. In severe cases, the leaves appear scorched. White oaks are especially susceptible to anthracnose, as are younger leaves. While the fungus damages the appearance of the tree, it rarely does significant damage to healthy, mature oaks.