Managing Invasive Species

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 12/12/2017 11:30 AM EST
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
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New Oak Wilt Locations Found in Glenville

Oak wilt, a deadly fungal disease of oak trees, was discovered in two new locations in the Town of Glenville, Schenectady County. DEC staff conducting aerial surveys found one infection site. The other was reported by a homeowner.

Map of Glenville oak wilt locations

DEC is Taking Action

DEC will be establishing a protective zone encompassing the two new locations in the Town of Glenville. Removal of oak wood or firewood of any species from the protective zone will be prohibited. Since no effective chemical treatment for oak wilt currently exists, DEC will use other treatment methods at each location, depending on site characteristics. These can include:

  • Removing and destroying infected trees,
  • Cutting down a buffer of adjacent trees, and
  • Digging trenches to prevent spread from one oak to another through roots.

How to Protect Oak Trees

Oak leaf with wilt

  • Prune oaks between October and February – NOT during the growing season when insects are active. Oak wilt can be spread by beetles attracted to freshly cut or injured trees. 
  • Follow the rules of the protective zone.
  • Learn to identify oak wilt's symptoms:
    • Discoloration around the entire leaf edge (see photo) and
    • Sudden loss of a substantial portion of leaves during the summer.
  • Use local firewood. Firewood can transport oak wilt and other deadly pests and diseases to new areas.

Contact DEC's Forest Health toll-free information line at 1-866-640-0652 with questions, or email photos of tree symptoms to foresthealth@dec.ny.gov. Also visit DEC's oak wilt webpage.