We have a large oak tree that provides invaluable shade to a large portion of our back yard. All of a sudden this year, it has 4-5 branches that didn’t grow leaves, which we plan to have removed. Our BIG concern is if something is causing these brances to die, which could jeopardize the entire tree. It has also been shedding more leaves than usual all summer and has grown a significant number of ‘suckers’ along the trunk,which we need to know if we should also remove. HELP – please provide any guidance you can to help us manage this concerning problem. Thank you
It sounds very much like Oak Wilt. HERE’S a link to more about it. HERE’S another link. The prognosis isn’t good and you should report this to DEC. Here’s contact information to report your tree: If you think your tree is infected with oak wilt, contact DEC Forest Health or call 1-866-650-0652. Please provide photos of the symptoms.