Oak wilt disease spreads through southeast Wisconsin

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By Scott Williams of the Journal Sentinel

State officials are warning tree lovers to protect their oaks against a devastating disease that appears to be spreading.

Oak wilt disease, which can bring down a healthy oak tree in just a few weeks, is turning up in a growing number of backyards.

"It's getting worse and worse," said David Farina, a tree care consultant hired to monitor the disease in Oconomowoc Lake.

Transmitted by insects or from one tree's roots to another's, oak wilt comes from the same fungus family as Dutch elm disease, and has been long present in Wisconsin. It is most common in red oak trees, although other types of oak are not immune.

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