Oak Wilt Causes Concern in Central Texas

SAN ANTONIO -- "Oak Wilt" is a growing environmental concern causing serious property damage and costing land owners millions of dollars. It is one of the most destructive tree diseases in the United States and has been found in almost every city in Central Texas and the City of Hollywood Park is now taking action.

"Hollywood Park is well known for its oak trees and the city has worked to prevent the spread of oak wilt," Hollywood Park City Administrator Drew Traeger said.

Experts said if the leaves on oak trees turn bright orange along the veins, it could be an early warning sign of oak wilt.

"It's real bad like in Hollywood Park and north of San Antonio — it's really bad in those areas," Action Tree Service spokesman Marcus Bellino said.

Experts said every type of oak tree is susceptible, but some are more resistant. They said the disease can be prevented all together.

"The most important way to prevent oak wilt is to either not prune in the spring time, or use paint year round. That is 100 percent successful in preventing the disease," Regional Urban Forester Mark Peterson said.

There are also chemical treatments on the market that can prevent the disease from spreading, but environmentalist said that approach is not for everyone.

"I would not recommend people go out and purchase a fungicide right now. It is only intended for trees which are adjacent to, or very close to existing oak wilt centers," Peterson added.