The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) notified the Town of Greece last week that one of its trees tested positive for oak wilt, a fungal disease that is often fatal to oak trees. This is the first known case of oak wilt reported in Monroe County.
Oak wilt is caused by the fungus Bretziella fagacearum, which blocks the flow of water and nutrients within an infected tree, causing leaves to wilt and drop and, in most cases, killing the tree. The disease was first detected in New York State in 2008 but has remained largely confined to isolated infection centers in the Finger Lakes region, including parts of Yates and Ontario counties. It spreads primarily through sap-feeding and bark beetles attracted to fresh wounds on oak trees, as well as underground through connected root systems between neighboring oaks.
The Town of Greece is working with the DEC to respond to the infection. In line with DEC guidance, the infected tree will be removed and its stump treated to prevent further spread, and the Town will continue to monitor nearby oaks.
Area residents are asked to be alert for signs of oak wilt, which include:
- Sudden leaf wilting and early leaf drop between early July and the end of August
- Browning of leaves that begins at the outer edge and progresses toward the center
- Branch dieback starting at the top of the tree and moving downward
Residents who suspect they have seen signs of oak wilt on their property are encouraged to take photos of the tree, its leaves, and its base, and submit a report through the DEC’s Forest Health Reporting Form or call the DEC Forest Health Information Line at 1-866-640-0652.
To prevent the spread of oak wilt, avoid pruning or otherwise wounding oak trees between March and September, when beetles that spread the fungus are most active, and follow NYS firewood regulations, which restrict the movement of firewood to no more than 50 miles from its source.
More information about oak wilt, including how to identify and report it, is available on the DEC’s website at https://dec.ny.gov/nature/forests-trees/forest-health/oak-wilt.
Provided information
Photo: Be alert for signs of oak wilt, which include early leaf wilting and browning that starts at the edge of the leaves. Photo from NYS DEC.
