What is oak wilt?
Oak wilt, also known by the name Bretziella Fagacearum, is a fungal pathogen that was recently discovered in Niagara Falls. It was the first recorded case in Canada. It has also since been detected in the Township of Springwater.
What is the City doing to prevent oak wilt?
- There will be no pruning of trees between April and October.
- In the case where a tree needs to be pruned due to an immediate hazard, the area that has been pruned will be treated with wound dressing.
- Staff are taking courses on how to identify and address oak wilt.
- Staff are monitoring high-density areas of oak trees, such as Burgoyne Woods, to look for symptoms of the fungus.
What are the symptoms of oak wilt?
- Wilting and bronzing (changing of colour) of oak leaves (this usually starts at the top of the tree).
- Premature leaf falling.
- White, gray or black fungal mats, sometimes called "pressure pads" just under the bark that can emit a fruitlike smell.
- Vertical bark cracks in the trunk and large branches.
What can residents do to prevent oak wilt?
- Do not transport firewood long distances.
- Do not prune oak trees between April and October.
I think I saw a tree with oak wilt. What should I do?
- Contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency with as much information as you can, including the location of the tree and photos of the symptoms.