New York State Is Warning About This Deadly Tree Fungus

There is some concerning news for New York homeowners who have oak trees on their property. A non-native fungus is spreading across parts of the state, and it can kill infected trees in as little as six months.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is urging residents to watch for signs of oak wilt, a destructive fungal disease that threatens one of New York’s most valuable native tree species.

Check Your Oak Trees This Summer

As we head into August, weather conditions across New York have been anything but consistent. Some areas of Western New York have received more than 4 inches of rain in just a few days, while other communities continue to experience dry or even near-drought conditions.

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If you’ve been working hard to keep your lawn green or your garden thriving, don’t forget about your trees. Young trees, in particular, can become stressed during extended dry periods. If you haven’t watered them recently, now may be a good time to give them a deep soaking to help them stay healthy through the rest of the summer.

What Is Oak Wilt?

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, oak wilt is a non-native fungal disease that attacks oak trees and can spread rapidly. In some cases, infected trees can die within just weeks.

"Symptoms are more noticeable in red oaks, however, which can die in as little as six weeks after infection".

The disease moves through root systems and can also spread by insects that are attracted to fresh wounds on oak trees, making early detection extremely important.

Signs Your Oak Tree May Be Infected

The DEC says homeowners should watch for several warning signs of oak wilt, including:

• Leaves turning brown around the edges.
• Leaves curling or rolling inward.
• Premature leaf drop during the growing season.
• Rapid decline in the overall health of the tree.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to avoid pruning the tree and report the suspected infection as soon as possible.

Report Suspected Oak Wilt to the DEC

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is asking residents to report suspected cases of oak wilt if they notice symptoms on trees in their yard or neighborhood.

Early reporting helps forestry experts identify infected areas and take steps to slow the spread of the disease before it impacts additional trees.

"Oak wilt was recently reported by a homeowner in Greece, NY (Monroe County). DEC staff responded and are working to contain the spread. Our Forest Health staff inject the infected tree with herbicide to prevent oak wilt from spreading to surrounding trees, enter data about the infected tree, and train new staff on procedures".

New York’s Forests Are Worth Protecting

New York is home to millions of acres of forests, making it one of the most naturally beautiful states in the country. While many people outside the state think only of New York City, much of the Empire State is made up of forests, farmland, mountains, and small communities.

The Adirondack Park remains the largest publicly protected park in the contiguous United States, highlighting just how important healthy forests are to New York’s environment, wildlife, and outdoor recreation.

As summer continues, take a few minutes to inspect the trees in your yard. Catching oak wilt early could help protect not only your property but also the forests that make New York such a special place. For more information or to report suspected oak wilt, contact the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation or visit its official Facebook page.