MARQUETTE, MI— Oak wilt infections have been confirmed in two stands of trees in southwest Marquette County, signaling additional spread of the often-fatal oak tree disease in the Upper Peninsula.
Oak wilt is caused by a fungus. It spreads from tree to tree by underground root contact or through tiny, sap-feeding beetles that carry spores from infected trees to wounds on healthy oaks.
The fungus can kill red oaks within weeks, while white oaks are better able to withstand the disease.
Oak wilt symptoms are most noticeable from late June through September. Affected red oak trees may rapidly shed leaves from the top down. Leaves may be green, brown or a combination of both colors. Affected trees typically appear dead within weeks of symptom development, well before natural leaf drop.
If you suspect a tree has oak wilt, report it to the DNR.
