The occurrence is up this year, possibly due to the weather events and results of some of those events. One would have to ask themselves, especially if one were to be a Arborist, “How is it possible that some Oaks fall ill while others remain unaffected”? Infected and dying Oaks could even surround a perfectly healthy Live Oak, asymptomatic, and survive. What we do know is that sap feeding insects such as the nitidulid beetles are a carrier of the disease and most likely some other sucking pests not yet identified. And then there is the human factor, there are high suspicions that landscapers, handymen, homeowners and unqualified tree people not Certified Arborist are part of the problem through movement of infected firewood and pruning equipment. But what say about root grafting, how is it possible one Live Oak can survive surrounded by many that are infected? Healthy trees have always seem to have a resistance to this disease and insect attack that is why keeping them healthy is important especially when there is Oak Wilt present.
Tree removal, stump grinding and replacement with a resistant species is a choice. But not a very good one if the tree can be saved. Every case and every tree should be treated on a individual basis and diagnosed as such. Treatments and techniques should be determined for the individual needs of each tree, and not as a grouping, this is what Arboriculture is about. But not only should the disease be addressed but the vectors, the soil, the irrigation and the tree health.
A systematic approach to recover trees from this disease, and other disease complexes is crucial in understanding, which techniques, what chemistry (medicaments), and the proper cultural practices necessary for the successful recovery. Removal is no longer the only choice.