What You Need to Know About Oak Wilt Tree Disease

Oak trees are magnificent assets to our surrounding environment. They offer us many advantages, including shade, energy efficiency, noise reduction, privacy, wildlife activity, and plenty of aesthetic value. For these reasons and more, oak trees should be treated with care and concern in order to prolong their life and their value. One of the biggest threats to oak trees is a disease known as Oak Wilt.

Continue reading to learn more about Oak Wilt and what you can do to prevent damage to your landscaping trees.

Oak Tree Removal 317-537-9770

Oak Tree Removal 317-537-9770

Where Does Oak Wilt Come From?

Oak Wilt is an aggressive fungal tree disease that can affect any and all oak tree species. Red and white oak trees, however, seem to be most susceptible. Oak Wilt is caused by a fungus known as Bretiziella fagacearum that spreads through the air from host to host, killing oak trees. The early weeks of summer is when Oak Wilt seems to be most prevalent, which is why it is important to address any tree disease exposures now. Treating a tree disease early on is the only effective method of preventing further decline and eventual tree fatality.

The Signs of Oak Wilt

The signs of Oak Wilt tree disease are very evident and easy to spot. Initially, you will notice changes in the foliage and canopy. Leaves will wilt, discolor, and shed off the branches located at the top of the crown. From there, additional symptoms will begin to appear, including an abundant amount of foliage loss, formation of fungus mats in the tree bark, sweet odors coming from fungus mats, beetle infestations, and more.

Oak Wilt Treatment Options

The best way to stop a tree from dying of Oak Wilt is to prevent it from acquiring the disease in the first place. To do this, your trees need to be professionally inspected by a Noblesville tree service company to ensure they are in good condition and not susceptible to any seasonal threats. If a tree already has Oak Wilt disease, it can still be saved. Your primary plan of action would be to hire an arborist who will develop and implement a professional treatment plan.

Read our blog, “FAQS About Oak Tree Care“, to help you better protect your Oak trees!

Noblesville Tree Service

Noblesville Tree Service 317-537-9770

Noblesville Tree Service 317-537-9770

Call 317-537-9770 when you need professional tree service in Noblesville, Indiana. We are highly trained and experienced tree care technicians that offer a wide range of residential and commercial tree services at the most competitive prices in town. Whether you need routine tree service or major tree work, we are the professionals to trust for outstanding results in a convenient time frame.

Learn About the Most Common Cause for Tree Decline

Root damage tops the charts as one of the leading causes of tree illness and death. When a root system is jeopardized in any way, the entire tree as a whole is negatively affected. Many factors can contribute to root problems, and many circumstances can lead to root damage.

Continue reading to learn how to protect yours landscaping trees from root system complications, and where to start if you need a sick tree removed from your property.

Noblesville Tree Service 317-537-9770

Noblesville Tree Service 317-537-9770


If a root system is in trouble, the outcome can be quite dangerous. Roots are a tree’s foundation that anchor it to the ground. Without a strong and stable root system, a tree cannot hold itself up. A flawed root system can eventually cause a tree to topple over. This scenario can cause serious structural damage to homes, buildings, cars, and other outdoor structures, but more importantly, it can seriously injure people and pets.

How to Stop Root Problems in Trees

If you suspect that your trees are suffering from a root problem, it is important to contact a local tree service for professional assessment and diagnoses. Common signs of a root problem include exposed dead roots, broken roots, fungal growth at the base of the trunk, visible leaning, foliage loss, premature foliage drop-off, leaf browning or curling, canopy dieback, fallen twigs and branches, dry or peeling bark, and pest infestations.

When it comes to protecting your trees from instability and decline, identifying a root issue is only part of the process. It is also important, and necessary, to provide your landscaping trees with the proper routine maintenance they need to thrive for generations.

Some Recommended Routine Tree Services Include:

Watering
Tree Trimming
Tree Pruning
Tree Fertilization
Tree Protection
Tree Spraying (Pest Control)
Mulching
Wildlife Proofing

But Wait, There’s More…

In addition to routine tree service, you also need to take certain precaution to protect your trees’ root systems from damage. Construction is a common cause of tree root damage, especially excavation, trenching, adding fill, demolition, grading, soil compaction, and paving. Environmental factor can also contribute to root issues, such as flooding, drought, inclement weather, fungal decay, wildlife tampering, and pest infestations.

If a tree’s root system is damaged beyond repair, there is not chance for survival. In most cases, a tree with a defective root system will need to be removed for safety reasons. Also, sick and dying trees attract pests, and present a wide range of hazards to the surrounding environment. It is best to have your trees inspected by a professional Noblesville tree service company to ensure they are healthy, safe, and thriving.

How to Remove a Sick Tree

Noblesville Tree Service 317-537-9770

Noblesville Tree Service 317-537-9770

Call 317-537-9770 for professional tree removal in Noblesville, Indiana. We are experienced tree care contractors that offer a wide range of residential and commercial tree services at the most competitive prices in town. We even offer tree service coupons and discounts! Call 317-537-9770 to request a free estimate or advice, today.