Township Arborist confirms first case of oak wilt for 2019

A case of oak wilt was confirmed on Deepwood Drive. This is the first case of oak wilt confirmed by the Ferguson Township Arborist for 2019. 

Oak wilt is a fungus that attacks all species of oak trees, but Red Oak and Pin Oak are the most susceptible. Once infected, an otherwise healthy tree rapidly drops its leaves during the summer months and dies while other nearby trees still have green leaves. 

Oak wilt can spread through root grafts to nearby trees, and can be carried by bark beetles that feed on an infected tree and then move to a healthy one.

Township Ordinance 1023 declares that it is unlawful to prune oak trees from April 1 to October 31each year, as this is the time beetles that spread the fungus are most active. It also declares that it is unlawful to climb oak trees using spurs or spikes for any reason except tree removal.

Township Resolution 2016-32 allows Township staff to abate the spread of the disease by using a fungistat to treat or cause to be treated at-risk oak trees within 150 feet of an infected oak tree; to perform trenching to break tree root grafts, and to remove whole infected trees — all at no cost to the property owner. 

Please be aware of the signs of oak wilt. Report any trees showing symptoms or direct any questions to Lance King, Township Arborist, (814) 238-4651 or by email.

View Tree Fact Sheets here.