Oak Wilt
What Fort Worth Homeowners Need to Know About Oak Wilt
Oak wilt is a serious threat to Fort Worth, TX homeowners with oak trees in their yards. This fast-spreading disease can wipe out a healthy oak in months, and it’s a growing problem in North Texas. At Ballard Tree Service, with over 75 years of experience serving Fort Worth, we’ve tackled oak wilt head-on and know what it takes to protect your trees. Here’s what you need to know, including insights from Texas A&M research, to keep your oaks safe.
What Is Oak Wilt?
Oak wilt is caused by the fungus Bretziella fagacearum, which blocks a tree’s water and nutrient flow. According to Texas A&M Forest Service, it’s especially deadly to red oaks—common in Fort Worth—killing them in as little as four weeks. Live oaks, another local favorite, decline more slowly but are still at risk. The disease spreads via sap-feeding beetles carrying spores to fresh wounds or from infected trees to healthy ones through shared root systems. In Texas, it’s one of the top tree killers.
How to Spot It
Texas A&M studies highlight key symptoms:
Leaf Changes: Leaves turn dull green, then bronze or yellow from the edges inward, often dropping early.
Wilting: Branches droop, starting at the tips, as the tree weakens.
Rapid Death: Red oaks can die in weeks, while live oaks may linger but rarely recover fully.
If you notice these signs, act fast. Ballard Tree Service offers free estimates to assess your trees—call us at 817-270-8202 to get started.
Why Fort Worth Is Vulnerable
Fort Worth’s climate—hot summers, mild winters, and humid springs—fuels oak wilt’s spread. Texas A&M research shows that spring and early summer are peak times for beetle activity, especially after storms or pruning create fresh wounds. With oaks dotting our neighborhoods, one infected tree can put others at risk. Our 75+ years of local expertise at Ballard Tree Service means we understand these threats inside out.
Prevention Tips
Texas A&M Forest Service recommends these steps to protect your oaks:
Time Pruning Right: Prune in February, when beetles and fungal spores are least active in North Texas. Avoid spring cuts unless absolutely necessary.
Seal Wounds Fast: Paint fresh cuts or storm-damaged areas with tree wound dressing immediately to block beetles.
Remove Dead Wood: Infected oak debris can harbor spores—get it out of your yard quickly. We can handle safe removal.
Need expert advice? Ballard Tree Service has been fighting oak wilt for decades and offers free estimates to help.
What to Do If It Strikes
If oak wilt hits, speed is critical. Texas A&M notes that red oaks are typically a lost cause once symptoms appear and require removal to stop spore production. At Ballard Tree Service, our skilled team and top-notch customer service can diagnose and manage oak wilt, keeping your property safe. Call 817-270-8202 for a free estimate today.
Save Your Oaks Now
Oak wilt is a silent killer, but with early action, you can protect your Fort Worth oaks. These trees add beauty and value to your home—don’t let them slip away. With over 75 years of experience, Ballard Tree Service is Fort Worth’s trusted expert in tree care. Give us a call at 817-270-8202 for a free estimate—we’ve been helping families like yours since the 1950’s, and we’re ready to keep your yard thriving!