Things You Should Know About Oak Wilt

Oak trees are a beautiful addition to your Missouri home, but they are more prone to a serious disease this time of year. Oak wilt disease is highly prevalent in Missouri. If you don't take precautions to care for and protect your oak trees, you could end up most, if not all, of them. Discover more information about oak wilt, its symptoms, and prevention so you can take steps to keep your oak trees healthy.
What Is Oak Wilt?
Oak wilt is an infectious fungal disease that attacks your trees' water-conducting system. It primarily enters through cuts and wounds or through grafted roots with an infected tree. When wounded, the sap attracts insects that bring the fungus from other infected trees.
While any oak is a potential victim, the black oak family is the most susceptible. The most sensitive member of this family is the red oak. Red oaks tend to graft roots with other close-by red oaks. So, when the infection affects one, it spreads quickly through the root system if not detached.
White oaks are more resistant, but they may succumb to the disease after a long period of infection.
What Are Signs of Oak Wilt?
The earliest signs of oak wilt are dying-off or discoloration of the leaves and branches in the crown. In red oaks, infections often spread fast, and you will see severe deterioration within a few weeks. Red oaks die quickly, while other species may take up to a year. White oaks may take much longer to show symptoms.
Another sign of oak wilt is spore mats and pressure pads. You can usually find these mats on the trunk, and they usually appear when your tree is near death. Spore mats can also occur on oak firewood. These mats emit a sweet scent that attracts insects such as the sap beetle.
How Does Oak Wilt Spread?
Besides spreading through the root system, oak wilt also spreads from insects transporting the fungus. When an oak has an open wound, its sap rushes out to heal it. This wound attracts insects like the previously mentioned sap beetle. These beetles find the sap quickly and will often have found your tree before you notice the injury.
How Can One Protect Trees from Oak Wilt?
To reduce your tree's chance of oak wilt, don't trim them between April or July or when you have stretches of summer rain. The trees are the most active at this time and more likely to give a defensive response to injury. Trim your oak trees during dormant times in the late fall and winter.
Protect your trees from accidental injury from gardening tools and equipment. Check your trees for wounds often. If you see any wounds, even small ones, seal them up as soon as possible. Then, keep an eye out for any signs of infection.
Can One Save a Tree With Oak Wilt?
Unfortunately, no cure exists for oak wilt. If confirmed for the disease, the tree will die. However, you can protect nearby trees through special fungicide treatments. You or an arborist can also sever any possible root grafts with other trees.
Do not try to remove the tree while it is still alive. When you try to remove a live infected tree, you increase the chance of fungal spore release. Remove the tree once it is fully dead. Dispose of the wood properly to eliminate spore transmission.
Oak wilt disease is a serious disease that can potentially cause problems for all the oak trees on your property or even your neighborhood. Before you assume your tree has oak wilt disease and needs removal, contact an arborist for an assessment. Baumann Tree
can check over your oak trees and determine a course of action. Call us today, and we will send over someone to check over your tree.

Call Baumann Tree Today: (636) 375-2812 If you’re looking for reliable, professional, and affordable tree service in St. Louis, MO , look no further than Baumann Tree . We specialize in tree removal , tree trimming , and complete tree care services for homeowners and businesses throughout the St. Louis area. With years of experience and a commitment to safety, we’re the trusted choice for tree work of all types. Whether you need hazardous tree removal in St. Louis, MO , or regular maintenance like tree trimming , our team is ready to help. Call us today at (636) 375-2812 for a free estimate. Expert Tree Removal in St. Louis, MO Dead, damaged, or dangerously leaning trees can pose a serious risk to your property and safety. Our experienced crew provides safe and efficient tree removal services in St. Louis, MO , using advanced equipment and proven techniques to handle even the most complex removals. Don’t wait for a storm to take down a weak tree. Our professionals assess risk factors and remove trees before they become a liability. If you're unsure whether a tree on your property needs to come down, call Baumann Tree for a consultation. Quality Tree Trimming in St. Louis, MO Regular tree trimming in St. Louis, MO is essential for maintaining the health, shape, and structure of your trees. Overgrown branches not only look unkempt, but they can also interfere with power lines, block sunlight, and create safety hazards. At Baumann Tree, we trim for health, safety, and appearance. We know how to properly prune a wide range of local tree species and help homeowners maintain beautiful, balanced trees that add value and curb appeal to their property. Our tree trimming services in St. Louis include: Crown thinning and shaping Deadwood removal Clearance for structures and walkways Seasonal pruning for optimal growth Full-Service Tree Care in St. Louis, MO Beyond trimming and removal, Baumann Tree offers complete tree care services in St. Louis, MO , tailored to your property’s specific needs. Our comprehensive offerings include: Tree health inspections and disease diagnosis Emergency storm cleanup and debris removal Stump grinding and root removal Brush clearing and lot preparation Tree cabling and bracing for structural support We work with both residential and commercial properties to ensure safe, healthy, and attractive landscapes year-round. Why Choose Baumann Tree? Choosing the right company for tree service in St. Louis, MO can save you time, money, and stress. Baumann Tree is a locally owned and operated business with a reputation for honesty, hard work, and top-quality service. What sets us apart: Fully insured and licensed professionals Affordable, transparent pricing Prompt and courteous service 24/7 emergency response available Locally rooted and community-focused We take pride in our workmanship and treat every property like it’s our own. Request a Free Estimate Today If you need tree trimming, tree removal , or any other tree service in St. Louis, MO , don’t wait. Call Baumann Tree today at (636) 375-2812 to speak with a member of our team and schedule your free, no-obligation estimate. Baumann Tree – Providing safe, affordable, and professional tree services in St. Louis, Missouri
Looking for expert tree removal, tree trimming, or full tree service in St. Louis? Baumann Tree is your trusted local team, delivering safe, affordable, and reliable tree care for residential and commercial properties. Whether you're clearing dangerous limbs or removing a fallen tree, our experienced crew is ready to help. Call 636-375-2812 today for a free estimate and fast, professional service!

If you’re looking for reliable, professional tree services in St. Louis, look no further than Baumann Tree . With years of experience serving St. Louis, Baumann Tree offers top-quality tree removal , tree trimming , and comprehensive tree care services tailored to keep your trees healthy and your property safe.

Expert Tree Trimming i n St. Louis, MO – Call Baumann Tree at (636) 375-2812 If you're looking for reliable tree trimming in St. Louis, MO, Baumann Tree is the local company you can trust. We offer professional, affordable tree trimming services designed to enhance your property's safety, curb appeal, and tree health. Overgrown branches can damage roofs, block sunlight, and create safety hazards. Our skilled team uses the latest equipment and techniques to trim trees safely and efficiently, ensuring your landscape stays well-maintained and beautiful.

Professional Tree Removal in St. Louis, MO – Call Baumann Tree at (636) 375-2812 Do you have a dead, dangerous, or unwanted tree on your property? Baumann Tree offers safe, professional tree removal in St. Louis, MO for homeowners and businesses throughout the area. Removing a tree is not a DIY task — it requires experience, the right equipment, and attention to safety. Whether you're dealing with storm-damaged trees, clearing space for new construction, or addressing a tree that threatens your home or power lines, Baumann Tree can help.
Call Baumann Tree at 636-375-2812 for Trusted Local Tree Services As trees wake from winter dormancy, spring and early summer are crucial times to ensure they stay healthy and resilient. At Baumann Tree , we provide expert tree service in St. Louis, MO , helping homeowners prepare their trees for the growing season and unpredictable summer storms.