With their large, stocky base, oak trees are often preferred in landscapes over pines. But like all tree varieties, even oaks are susceptible to disease, illness and stress.
So if you have one or more oak trees in your the yard, refer to the following tips on how to keep them healthy.
Discolored Bark
Oak bark should maintain a brown-greenish appearance. If you discover areas of discoloration, it could be indicative of disease, in which case you should attempt to remove the affected area.
Of course, this isn’t always an option, especially if the disease has spread across the entire oak tree, or in the upper parts where it’s not easily accessible. But if you see a small section of branches that’s discolored, it’s best to go ahead and remove it.
Shelf Mushrooms
Another tell-tale sign of a diseased oak tree is the presence of shelf mushrooms. These fungi form in the shape of shelves on the tree, often scattered diagonally across the bark.
Shelf mushrooms should be removed with the affected area treated with an application of neem oil or some fungicide to prevent further damage to the oak tree.
Pruning
Oak trees typically require minimal pruning, making them an excellent choice for homeowners and property owners who don’t want to invest a significant amount of time into their lawn upkeep.
However, if you see dead, diseased or otherwise distressed branches, you should prune them. Allowing them to remain on your oak tree only increases the risk of further damage. This is why it’s best to err on the side of caution by removing them.
Fertilize
In addition to pruning away bad branches, fertilizing an oak tree can also help by keeping it healthy and disease-free. Check with your local plant nursery for recommendations on a well-balanced fertilizer that’s tailored for oak trees.
Watch for Insects
Although hearty, oak trees may succumb to various insect infestations. Some of the most common insects that infest oak trees include galls, aphids, caterpillars, lace bugs, twig pruners and leaf miners.
The key to minimizing the damage caused by these infestations is early detection. The sooner you spot the infestation, the sooner you can take action. Contact a tree expert for more information on how to rid your oak tree of an insect infestation.
These are just a few tips to keep your oak trees healthy.
The Woodsman Company offers tree planting, tree pruning and shrub trimming, tree removal and stump grinding as well as a tree wellness program.
If we can help with any of your tree care needs give us a call at 512-846-2535 or 512-940-0799 or
I have a great looking oak in my yard. I love the yard. It has a lot of discolored bark. I wonder if it is too far gone. I feel like I might just have it removed before it makes my other trees sick. I will call pro and have them look at what it will take to get rid of the tree.
Always use pesticides when you see insects on it. If you want to keep Oak tree health use natural urea.
I have two big oak trees in my yard. One of them is pretty sick looking. I want to protect the other and keep it healthy if at all possible. I’ll have to get some custom made fertilizer for both trees and see if that will help them. I will have a pro come out and look at both trees for me.
This is terrific information on caring for Oak Trees. We have tons of oak trees in Minnesota as well so I’ll be sharing this article with our customers.
One challenge we both share with our majestic trees is OAK WILT. [Oak wilt is a fungal disease that kills thousands of oak trees every year in both Minnesota and Texas.]
The University of MN studies Oak Wilt and offers this suggestion for the best ways to either avoid or minimize the probability of oak wilt infection. “First, avoid any wounding during the High Risk (and hopefully, the Low Risk) period…no pruning, no construction activities near the oaks. If a tree is wounded, seal the wound quickly (within 15 minutes) with one coat of shellac (preferable) or a water-based paint. If oak wilt is in the area, it’s the High Risk season, and the wounding is unattended for more than 15 minutes, the probability of infect ion rises dramatically.” In MN, our High Risk season is April, May and June.
I’m confident the experts at Woodsman Tree Service can tell you what the High Risk season is in Texas.
Great article. I have multiple oaks on my property, and have planted quite a few. This is some great information. I lied how you touched on discovered bark. This was very insightful.
Love these tips! I’m glad to came across to this blog which has lots of useful articles for taking care properly about trees.
Lindsay