Oak Wilt Awareness听
Oak Wilt is a serious, invasive tree disease caused by the fungal pathogen Bretziella fagacearum. First confirmed in Canada in Niagara Falls in May 2023, this disease affects all Oak species, with Red Oaks being especially vulnerable鈥攐ften dying within 2 to twelve months of infection. White Oaks may survive longer but still suffer from gradual decline.听
The fungus spreads in two major ways: underground through root grafts between neighbouring trees, and aboveground via sap beetles which carry spores from fungal mats on dead trees to fresh wounds on healthy ones. Moving firewood, nursery stock, or infected wood products can also spread the disease across greater distances.听
Signs and symptoms to watch for include:听
- Leaves wilting and turning bronze or yellow, starting at the top of the tree;听
- Early and sudden leaf drop;听
- Fungal mats under the bark of dead trees with a sweet or fruity odour;听
- Cracks in the trunk from internal fungal pressure pads; and/or听
- Black staining in the sapwood.听
To help stop the spread:听
- Don鈥檛 move firewood 鈥� buy and burn locally;听
- Avoid pruning oak trees between April and November. If you must, seal any wounds immediately with wound paint or shellac; and听
- Report any suspected cases to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency with photos of the signs, symptoms, and location.听
The 糖心直播 (UTRCA) encourages everyone to stay informed and take action to protect our Oak trees. Learn more about Oak Wilt’s identity, biology, and management through resources from the , including species profiles and free online courses.听
Know the signs鈥攈elp protect Canada鈥檚 oaks.听