New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Department of Agriculture and Markets announced that the oak tree disease oak wilt has been detected in Suffolk County. The disease was identified by the Cornell Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic after samples from a symptomatic oak tree were submitted.
After the provided oak samples tested positive for the fungus that causes the disease, four trees that exhibited signs of being infected were removed and destroyed. There is no known treatment to contain and kill the oak wilt fungus other than to remove the infected trees as well as any surrounding host oak trees.
“The infestation is small and isolated, making an aggressive eradication response warranted and feasible to address this serious disease,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos.
An emergency order has been issued establishing a protective zone that prohibits the removal of any living, dead, standing, cut or fallen oak trees or any portion, including branches, logs, stumps or roots, out of the immediate area.
“Acting now, while the incident is isolated, is a critical step toward preventing the spread of oak wilt and saving our trees,” said state Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball.
Affected property owners will be contacted to inform them about oak wilt and provide information about how to help protect their remaining oak trees. DEC will schedule a public meeting to address questions and concerns regarding the plan to eradicate the disease.
Aerial surveys, as well as ground surveys, will be conducted through the coming weeks to determine the number of trees that need to be removed from the red oak-free zone and tree removal is expected to take place within the next six months.
The public should report occurrences where an oak tree loses its leaves during August to the Forest Health Information Line at 866-640-0652. Visit www.dec.ny.gov for more information about oak wilt.
