Oak Wilt in Central Texas: What You Need to Know

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If you have oak trees in your yard, you know how valuable they are. Oaks are one of the top and most popular trees you can have. But if you have oaks, then you've almost certainly heard about Oak Wilt, the deadly disease that strikes fear in anyone that has live oaks on their property.

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Before we get into what you can do to prevent or treat it, let's start off by first learning what it is exactly and how to spot it.

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What is Oak Wilt?

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Oak wilt is a fast-spreading fungal disease that disrupts a tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. Once infected, a tree can wilt and die in just a few months. The disease spreads underground through interconnected root systems and above ground through beetles carrying fungal spores from tree to tree. In other words, it's a dangerous and fast-acting disease that will kill your tree if left untreated for too long. 

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How to spot Oak Wilt - Signs and symptoms

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Here's how to tell if your tree has been infected:

• Leaves Turning Brown from the Edges In : This is often one of the first signs, especially in red oaks.
• Sudden Leaf Drop : If your oak is losing leaves out of season, it could be infected.
• Dead Branches in the Upper Canopy : A thinning or dying canopy is a big red flag.
• Dark Veins on Leaves : This is a classic symptom of oak wilt, often called venial necrosis.

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And as always, if you're unsure it's ALWAYS best to contact an arborist and get a free consultation just to be on the safe side.

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Why Should You Take Oak Wilt Seriously?

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Here’s a fact that might shock you—oak wilt has killed millions of oak trees in Texas. It spreads so aggressively that once one tree in your yard is infected, others nearby are at serious risk. YES IT'S CONTAGIOUS!! We all want to protect our trees because they're beatiful, they contribute to a greener Earth and of course, they add value to your property. The good news is there are ways to protect your live oak from this silent killer..

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How to Protect Your Oak Trees

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The best way to fight oak wilt is through prevention and early detection. Here’s what you can do:

• Seal All Cuts Immediately : If you prune, use a tree-safe wound sealant to block fungal spores from entering.
• Don’t Move Firewood : Infected firewood can carry the disease to new locations. Burn it where you cut it.
• Look Out for Symptoms & Act Fast : If you suspect oak wilt, don’t wait, call a professional immediately.

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Why You Need a Certified Arborist, Not Just a Landscaping Crew

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A lot of homeowners make the mistake of trusting just any tree service to diagnose and treat oak wilt. Here’s the thing, oak wilt is a serious disease that requires expert intervention. A landscaping company or general tree service might not have the proper training to handle it.

At Tree Scouts Tree Service, we have certified arborists who specialize in oak wilt detection and management. We use professional-grade treatments and techniques to help stop the spread and save your trees when possible. If removal is necessary, we ensure it’s done safely and effectively to protect the surrounding landscape.

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Think Your Oak Has Wilt? Don’t Wait!

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Time is critical when dealing with oak wilt. If you notice symptoms, don’t gamble with your trees, call Tree Scouts Tree Service today. We’ll assess your trees, provide expert recommendations, and help you take action before it’s too late. Let’s keep Austin’s oak trees standing strong for generations to come!

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HAPPY HEALTHY TREES
SCOUTS HONOR