Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Sunday - July 22, 2012
From: Pflugerville, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders, Trees
Title: Distressed Red Oak tree in Pflugerville, TX.
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
I have a large (40 ft) Red Oak tree in my yard that is distressed. It started with yellowing leaves, with darker veins. Then small brown spots appeared, followed by browning arount the leaves edges. Now entire sections are looking dead. It looks as if the tree is trying to produce new leaves, but they are browning and are severely stunted. I have done a root fertilization by a professional tree company, who didn't seem to know what it may be. I am worried about it, and now the maple on the other side of the drive has a few leaves at the bottom that have a similar look. I am afraid if it is a fungus/bacteria/pest it may spread. Any advice of what to do next?ANSWER:
When Mr. Smarty Plants hears about oak trees in distress, he begins to think of Oak Wilt.
What you should do next is try to determine what is ailing your oak tree. This web site, texasoakwilt.org, has a wealth of information about oak wilt including contact information for Texas AgriLife Extension and the Texas Forest Service who I recommend you should try to get in touch with. This answer to a previous question also has some helpful information.
More Trees Questions
Leaves falling early from red oaks.
October 08, 2007 - The leaves on my Texas red oaks are dropping off prematurely. This usually doesn't happen until late November/early December. I'm wondering if it has something to do with our wet summer, or if I sho...
view the full question and answer
Caterpillars on Mountain laurel in Austin
September 11, 2009 - One of our 18+ year old Texas Mountain Laurels seems to be in distress this year. We treated it for caterpillars this Spring but many of the new leaves had been eaten by then. I recently started wate...
view the full question and answer
Tree to replace Betula nigra (River birch) in Memphis
August 13, 2012 - HI Mr. Smarty Pants,
I think I need to replace the river birch tree in my west-facing front yard in Memphis, TN. I have sun all day, but it gets really hot in the afternoon. The soil in my yar...
view the full question and answer
Neighbor's Arizona ash roots in Houston
September 30, 2009 - There is a huge Arizona Ash tree in my neighbor's yard. Its trunk is about 27 feet away from the foundation of my house and its foliage reaches my roof. I am planning to dig a trench on my side of t...
view the full question and answer
Trees non-toxic for horses in California
May 02, 2011 - I would like to plant next to my pasture. Please send a good variety of nontoxic (for horses) plants for shade. I live in Redding Cal.
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
