Bacterial Leaf Scorch in Oak Trees

During the last couple of years we have pointed out to our current and potential clients that many of our Oaks are in trouble (see postcard below). We were very clear about the severity and abundance of the problem, a bacterial disease.

We pointed out that the disease is a severe problem, sometimes causing death. Since then, based on many more observations, we now know that, if left untreated, Bacterial Leaf Scorch (BLS), the disease, is usually fatal. Treatment, a trunk injection, is done in the Spring or Summer. It is not a cure but it is a suppressant. We have been using a unique antibiotic mixture, applied every other year, and our results on Oaks with minimal infection, has been excellent. Trees showing obvious decline, such as large dead limbs, are probably too far gone to treat.

So now what? BLS is best diagnosed in October and November. Contact us and we’ll examine your Oaks to see if treatment is advised for next year (email your arborist below by clicking on their name).

An additional word of caution. Don’t have your Oak pruned (dead wood removal) unless you are sure it is not severely infected with BLS. Pruning will not help save the tree and that money would be better spent on removal. However, if the tree pruning is being scheduled for safety reasons, definitely proceed.

Call our office or email your arborist by clicking their name below: