Oak Wilt: Symptoms, Spread, and Emergency Response

Oak wilt (Ceratocystis fagacearum) kills oaks in 21 states—devastating in Central Texas. Red oaks die in weeks; live oaks linger but become silent carriers.

Symptoms

• Leaves brown from edge inward, sharp green/brown line, may curl.
• Green leaves dull; heavy leaf drop (including green).
• Live/white oaks show few signs—shallow, interconnected roots spread fungus silently.

Transmission

1. Root grafts: adjacent oaks share vascular tissue.
2. Sap-feeding beetles: carry spores from fungal mats to fresh wounds.

Action Plan

• Suspect oak wilt? Call a certified Austin arborist immediately.
• Trenching breaks root connections.
• Fungicide injection (propiconazole) for high-value trees.
• Paint ALL wounds instantly—pruning, storm damage.
• Remove/destroy infected red oaks promptly.

Austin leads Texas in oak wilt cases. Speed and expertise save the canopy.