© 2024 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Fungal disease threatens Michigan oaks

Oak wilt photo
Bob Shrader
/
flickr creative commons
Oak wilt is a fungal infection that affects mainly red oak trees. It turns leaves brown and splotchy in midsummer. It's always fatal to the tree.

Red oak trees turn a beautiful, fiery shade every autumn. But sadly, some of those trees die in the middle of summer because of an invasive species. We talk with a forester and an invasive species expert about this problem.

Despite our recent snow and chilly temperatures, many trees are finally starting to bud in mid-Michigan. One particular species, the northern red oak, is worth waiting all summer to see its leaves turn to a fiery shade in the fall. But this year, many red oaks in Michigan might not make it that long.

Oak wilt disease is a fungal infection that turns leaves brown and kills off trees in midsummer. It’s always fatal to the tree. Oak wilt disease has been found this spring across much of the northern Lower Peninsula.

Current State talks about the effects of oak wilt disease with Ray Gurley,a forestry expert with Consumers Energy’s hydroelectric program, and Dr. Deb McCullough, professor of entomology at Michigan State University.

Kevin Lavery served as a general assignment reporter and occasional local host for Morning Edition and All Things Considered before retiring in 2023.
Related Content
Journalism at this station is made possible by donors who value local reporting. Donate today to keep stories like this one coming. It is thanks to your generosity that we can keep this content free and accessible for everyone. Thanks!