Oak wilt is one of the most serious threats to live oaks in the San Antonio area, and once people understand how it spreads, the treatment starts to make sense.
The disease moves two ways. Above ground, sap beetles carry the fungus to fresh wounds. Below ground, it spreads tree to tree through connected root systems, which is why whole stands of live oaks can decline together.
Treatment works on both fronts. Trenching cuts the shared roots between infected and healthy trees to stop the underground spread, creating a barrier around the trees you want to protect. For high-value trees, a certified arborist can also inject a fungicide that helps suppress the disease inside the tree. Neither is a magic cure, but used correctly and early, they can save oaks that would otherwise be lost.
Do you have live oaks close together on your property, or have you noticed any with browning leaves this summer?
#TreeCare #OakWilt
A photo of a root trench being cut around live oaks, or an injection setup on a trunk from a real Texas Tree Authority job. In-progress treatment shots build strong credibility and outperform stock.
Canva text suggestion: "Two Ways Oak Wilt Spreads, Two Ways We Fight It" or "Trenching and Injections That Protect Live Oaks"