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 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
Looking for a specimen shade tree in San Rafael, CA
June 04, 2013 - I'm looking for a specimen shade tree that can get 30'x30', that doesn't drop a bunch of crud (seeds, etc) on the patio (leaves are ok), medium to low water requirement, roots are behaved, zone 9,...
view the full question and answer
Privacy screen for pool from Southlake TX
April 21, 2012 - I have a row of 7 live oaks that help block my neighbors two story house. Unfortunately, there is a gap between each tree of about 8 feet wide and 15 feet tall (from ground to the first branches/ leav...
view the full question and answer
Pruning a Wafer Ash to make it upright
February 11, 2005 - How do I trim a Wafer Ash? It lays on the ground. Is that normal? Does it need to be upright?
view the full question and answer
Pecan trees too close together in Austin
August 14, 2012 - There are two pecan trees in my central Austin yard. Each is four or five inches diameter at chest height and maybe 15 feet tall. They are within six feet of each other and their canopies interfere wi...
view the full question and answer
Need a native tree for full sun in Hockley, TX
October 27, 2009 - What native trees should I plant for full sun. I am building on a 1/2 acre previously used as grazing land on the original Katy prairie. I need one large shade tree, a few smaller ornamentals, and a...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |