Oak Wilt Spreading Fast in Southeast Palos Park 

Residents living in the area south of 123^rd Street, and east of 84^th Avenue need to be aware of Oak Wilt disease.  The disease is spreading quickly through this part of Palos Park. 

All species of oaks are susceptible to Oak Wilt; however trees in the red oak family (e.g., black, red, pin, and scarlet oaks) typically die within 1 year of the fugal invasion.  Red Oaks often die in less than one month after symptoms appear. 

Evidence of Oak Wilt will appear at or near the top of the tree. Leaves turn dull green, bronze or tan, beginning along the tips and leaf edges.  Leaves at branch ends will begin to fall soon after symptoms appear.  This evidence may be confused with the damage to the oaks already caused by the cicadas earlier this year.  Discoloration and defoliation will progress throughout the crown within weeks as twigs and branches die.  Total defoliation and death will transpire over a short period of time, sometimes leaving crinkled leaves clinging to limbs throughout the winter months. 

Oak Wilt is caused by a fungus (Ceratocystis fagacearum) which clogs the vascular system of oak trees preventing the flow of water and nutrients.  Red Oaks are more susceptible than members of the White Oak family because they do not have the ability to produce tyloses or vascular plugs which White Oaks create to contain damage from the disease.  Although White Oaks have a natural defense system against this disease, the process is only slowed and not stopped.  White Oaks may live for years fighting off  the fungal invasion, however they act as a carrier for the spread of the disease. 

Oak Wilt is spread mainly two ways, through insect transmission and root transmission.  The main culprit in the spread of the disease is the Nitidulid beetle.  The beetles transfer fungal spores attached to their bodies as they move from tree to tree.  Severely infected trees and stumps should be removed immediately to stop the transmission through connecting root systems from neighboring oak trees. 

If caught early, Oak Wilt can sometimes be controlled with certain fungicide injections.  Trenching or chemically killing roots between diseased and healthy trees can prevent transmission through root grafts.  Although no treatment is a guarantee for success against Oak Wilt, any precautions taken to preserve an oak helps contain the disease and stop the possible infection of surrounding healthy oaks.  If you are concerned your oak may have Oak Wilt contact a private tree contractor with a certified arborist on staff.