Illnesses on oak trees are not as rare as you might think. Although the tree gets bigger and stronger over the years, small fungal pathogens have an easy time of it. Some diseases can even kill the oak tree.
What diseases can affect oak trees?
Oak trees can be affected by various diseases, such as oak fungus, oak mildew, canker and bark blight. Good care and sufficient nutrient supply can help to strengthen the tree and prevent fungal diseases.
Most common diseases
The oak can suffer from many diseases, the most common are the following:
- Oak Fire Sponge
- Oak mildew
- Cancer
- Bark burn
Oak Fire Sponge
This fungal pathogen has a particularly easy time of it if the tree is already weakened due to the wrong location or inadequate care. The fruiting body formed on the trunk also makes its absence visible externally. Anyone who tries to remove it will also damage the tree.
Give the infected oak tree additional nutrients to help it regain its strength. This prevents the fungus from spreading any further.
Oak mildew
This fungal disease prefers young trees and young oak leaves. Of the most common oak species in this country, the English oak falls victim to this disease the most.
- Leaves turn whitish
- look like they're covered in powder
- they eventually curl up
- become dry and fall off
Pick up fallen leaves and dispose of them in the trash. Strengthen the tree by providing it with good moisture and nutrients.
Cancer
Young and old oak trees can be equally affected by this fungal disease. There are discolorations and growths on the trunk.
- cut out affected areas
- to the he althy wood
- Burn what you cut off or dispose of safely
- Treat wounds with balm
Young trees may not have developed enough resistance yet and will die despite these measures.
Bark burn
Bark burn is also a fungal disease that can manifest itself differently depending on the location of the infection:
- there are yellow-brown necroses on the bark of young shoots
- fruiting bodies form
- the trunk can also be infected
- then the pathways are also affected
- The care of the tree is no longer running smoothly
- Leaves and shoots above die off
