Oak trees suffer from numerous diseases and pests. In the worst case, even very old trees can be so severely damaged that they die. How to recognize diseases and what you can do about them.

The most common diseases of oak trees

  • oak powdery mildew
  • oak firesponge
  • tree cancer
  • oak dieback

oak powdery mildew

This is a fungal disease that primarily affects young leaves and trees. The leaves of pedunculate and sessile oaks turn whitish and appear powdered. Eventually, the leaves curl, dry up, and fall off.

Little can be done about powdery mildew. Make sure the tree is well supplied with nutrients and moisture. Collect fallen leaves and dispose of them with household waste.

oak firesponge

Fire sponges on the oak trunk are very durable. It is a fungus that forms a solid fruiting body on the stem. It can hardly be detached without damaging the tree.

Since weakened trees in particular are attacked by the fungus, it is helpful to provide the oak with additional nutrients. Then she has the opportunity to strengthen the affected areas so that the fungus cannot spread further.

tree cancer

Tree cancer is also a fungal disease. The fungus nests in tree wounds and spreads through the bark. This changes color and forms dense cushions that extend over the entire trunk. Young oak trees can die from this disease.

Cut out the affected areas. The cut is made right into the healthy wood. The cutting waste must be incinerated or disposed of safely. As a preventive measure, care should be taken to coat the wounds resulting from pruning the oak with balm.

oak dieback

The oak dieback endangers entire tree populations. The cause is not a single disease, but the living conditions in which the tree is. These include environmental pollution, spray poisons and infestation by pests.

As an individual hobby gardener, you have little opportunity to do something about the dreaded dieback of oak trees.

tips and tricks

The best way to prevent disease is to strengthen the oak. Provide sufficient moisture and fertilize the tree from time to time. A layer of mulch that you spread under the oak tree is very helpful.

Category:

Trees