Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
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.
rate this answer
Tuesday - June 16, 2015
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders, Trees
Title: Brown spots on native oak trees
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
Hi, My native live oak trees are declining. The leaves have small brown spots that increase in size until the leaf dies and falls off, then the branch and then the entire limb. I have not watered them through the drought(to many and I'm on a well system). Any ideas? Is there anything I can do? Mark ps-my location is sw austinANSWER:
It is very difficult to diagnose plant diseases from written descriptions, but chances are it is some sort of fungal pest. Two publications that may prove helpful are the “Texas Plant Disease Handbook" , and the Gardening Fact Sheet; “Major Oak Diseases and their Control”. Having a knowledgable person look at your trees would probably be more useful, so contacting the Travis County Office Texas AgriLife Extension should be your next step. Your Extension Agent can also put you in touch with the Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab.
Your oaks have been getting quite a bit of water lately, and are hopefully perking up. Drought puts a lot of stress on trees, and makes them susceptible to various diseases, such as the brown spots above.
I’m going to provide you with three links that have good informatiton about tree watering during drought.
City of Austin
LBJ Wildflower Center drought resources
Tree watering tips on youtube
More Trees Questions
Deep Rooted Large Shrub or Small Tree for Driveway Strip
August 21, 2014 - I am in eastern Massachusetts. My condominium Grounds Committee is searching for a small tree suitable to plant in narrow (4'-5') beds which divide two driveways. Can you suggest something whose roo...
view the full question and answer
Root ball disintegrating on Arroyo sweetwood from Dripping Springs TX
May 11, 2013 - I just purchased a arroyo sweetwood in a 5 gallon container and when I went to put it in the ground the root ball completely fell apart. I put it in the ground and watered it really good. What are its...
view the full question and answer
Garden instructions from Austin
June 12, 2013 - I'm a beginning gardener putting in some new landscaping in my front yard in north central Austin, TX. The yard faces almost due east, so it gets full sun until early afternoon, when the house's sha...
view the full question and answer
Are bald cypress cones toxic to dogs?
October 27, 2013 - Are bald cypress tree seed pods poisonous? to dogs? We just got a rescue dog and we go out in the yard with her. But now that we are into fall and the pods are falling. She goes right to them. Are...
view the full question and answer
Trimming oaks and elms from New Braunfels TX
June 20, 2012 - I would like to trim my live oaks and elm trees at the same time, if possible. I think they are American Elms. When is the best time to do this and avoid oak wilt and Dutch elm disease? Should all c...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |