Oak Wilt is one of the most destructive tree diseases in the United States, and Tarrant County is a known hotspot. If you have Live Oaks or Red Oaks on your Southlake property, knowing how to spot the early warning signs can be the difference between saving your landscape and needing a massive emergency removal.
The most obvious sign of Oak Wilt is leaf discoloration. Look for "veinal necrosis"—where the veins of the leaf turn brown or red while the rest of the leaf remains green. This typically begins in late spring or early summer.
Once a large Oak dies from the fungus, its root system and internal trunk structure rapidly decay. During a Texas micro-burst or high-wind storm, these dead trees become extreme liabilities, prone to snapping and falling on roofs, vehicles, or power lines.
Don't wait for the next storm. If an Oak has died and is leaning toward your structure, it requires immediate, heavy-duty extraction.