What are the Common Tree Diseases in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, particularly in the Northwest region including Shreveport and Bossier City, the two most prominent tree diseases cited are oak wilt and anthracnose. These diseases can rapidly damage landscapes if not identified and managed early.

Oak Wilt This is a fungal disease that primarily affects oak trees. It is characterized by rapid leaf wilting in the canopy, bronze-colored leaves, veinal necrosis (browning of the leaf veins), and vascular streaking or staining. In some cases, sap may ooze from the bark. Professional treatment typically involves fungicide injections and trenching root grafts to prevent the spread to neighboring trees.

Anthracnose Anthracnose is a fungal infection that affects various tree species, often flourishing during cool, wet springs. It causes irregular leaf spots or lesions, twig dieback, and premature leaf drop. Management strategies include pruning infected branches during dry weather to improve airflow, raking and destroying fallen leaves to reduce spore spread, and applying fungicidal sprays.