Oak Wilt Treatment Austin
Austin's #1 Tree Threat

Oak Wilt
Prevention & Treatment.

Protect your legacy oaks. We provide certified macro-injections, containment trenching, and emergency pruning to stop the spread of Ceratocystis fagacearum.

Emergency Consult Check Symptoms
The Silent Killer

Understanding the Threat

Oak Wilt is an aggressive fungal disease that clogs the water-conducting vessels of the tree. It spreads in two ways: above ground via sap-feeding beetles (Nitidulid) and below ground through interconnected root grafts. Without treatment, Red Oaks die in weeks, and Live Oaks decline rapidly.

The Root Graft Danger

Live Oaks often share a root system. If your neighbor's tree is infected, yours is at risk. Trenching is the only way to physically break this underground connection.

Fungicide Injection
Root Trenching
Wound Painting
Debris Removal
Certified Arborist Treating Oak Tree
Diagnostic Guide

Is Your Tree Infected?

Early detection is vital. Look for these specific distress signals in Live Oaks and Red Oaks.

Veinal Necrosis

The classic Live Oak symptom: Leaves turn yellow or brown along the center vein while edges stay green.

Rapid Leaf Drop

A tree that sheds its canopy of green or half-brown leaves suddenly in Spring/Summer needs immediate testing.

Bronzing (Red Oaks)

Red Oaks don't show veins; they turn bronze/red rapidly from the top down and die within weeks.

Treatment Options

Our Defense Strategy

Macro-Injection

We inject Propiconazole (Alamo®) directly into the root flares. This preventative treatment protects healthy oaks for up to 2 years.

Root Trenching

To stop underground spread, we use a rock saw to cut a 4-5ft deep trench, severing root connections between infected and healthy trees.

Infected Removal

Dead Red Oaks produce "fungal mats" that attract beetles. We remove and chip these trees immediately to stop overland transmission.

The Injection Workflow

1

Excavate

We carefully dig around the base to expose the root flares (uptake zone).

2

Drill & Tee

Small, precise holes are drilled, and injection tees are inserted.

3

Pressurize

The fungicide reservoir is pressurized, forcing medicine into the xylem.

4

Seal

We remove gear, replace soil, and the tree heals over the drill sites.

CRITICAL: Pruning Calendar

To prevent infection, adhere strictly to the safe pruning windows.

FEB - JUNE

HIGH RISK

DO NOT PRUNE OAKS. Beetles are active. Emergency cuts only (paint immediately).

JULY - JAN

SAFE WINDOW

Best time for maintenance. We still paint all wounds as a standard precaution.

Prepare for Injection

Help the treatment work faster.

Water Heavily

Water the tree deeply 24 hours before our arrival. Hydrated trees take up the medicine much faster.

Clear the Base

Remove any rocks, heavy brush, or pots from the base of the trunk so we can excavate the root flare.

Pets Inside

Keep pets indoors during the drilling and pressurization process for their safety.

Treatment Costs

Prevention is an investment. Removal is a cost.

Consultation

$150

On-site diagnosis by an Oak Wilt Qualified specialist. Credited if work is booked.

Most Common

Injection

$15-$25

Per diameter inch (DBH). Includes macro-injection of Alamo®.

Trenching

Custom

Rock saw pricing varies by linear footage, rock depth, and access.

*Neighborhood group rates available to lower costs.

Qualified Professionals

Treating Oak Wilt requires state-level qualification. We adhere to the protocols set by the Texas A&M Forest Service to ensure legal and effective treatment.

  • TDA Licensed Applicators
  • Texas Oak Wilt Qualified (TOWQ)

Oak Wilt FAQ

How long does the injection treatment last?

Preventative injections typically provide protection for 18 to 24 months. We recommend a re-treatment cycle every 2 years for high-value trees in infected areas.

Why do I have to paint the cuts?

Fresh sap attracts the Nitidulid beetle, which carries the fungus spores. Painting the cut immediately masks the scent and creates a physical barrier, preventing the beetle from infecting the tree.

Can you save a tree that is already sick?

It depends. If a Live Oak has less than 20% canopy loss, therapeutic injection may suppress the symptoms and save the tree. Red Oaks, however, usually die too quickly to be saved once infected.

Call Now Get Quote