Topic: oak tree leaf problem

[landimad]

I have noticed today, looking round the tree in my garden.
A problem with the leaves has come to light.
Could anyone explain what is the likely cause of this?







The soil is clay and this is the first time that the problem has occurred. The tree is well watered and has been fed with a mulch of leaf mold around the base.
Insect life is good as is the birds thatfrequent it for them.

[ceres]

It's oak mildew.  One of my plot neighbours has a small pollarded oak on his plot and it suffers terribly from it.  You've probably got it this year because the weather conditions have been good for it - mild and dull. 

Found a link:

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/fr/INFD-7B3D24

[landimad]

I like the link Ceres, but how do you rectify the powdery mildew and what would you use on it. The tree is about 30' high now and I dont think I could spray up to that height.

[ceres]

My friend doesn't do anything except clear up fallen leaves and prune the tree to keep it open with good air circulation.  I think removing anything shading it would help too.  I don't think the mildew will kill it, it's just very unsightly.  Here's a couple of links talking about control:

http://www.treehelp.com/trees/oak/oak-diseases-powdery-mildew.asp 

http://www-mykopat.slu.se/Newwebsite/mycorrhiza/kantarellfiler/texter/mildew.html

Seems there are fungicides that would work buit they bring their own problems and as you say, it's a big tree to spray!

[landimad]

They are good, but I dont think the Council would approve me cutting back the trees that shade this one as they have TPO's on them. They have been there about 150-200years now.

[ceres]

We have the same problem with an avenue (on Crown land) of huge horse chestnut trees at the back of our plots.  Apart from the shade, they're hugely infested with the leaf miner moth which makes the trees look horrible and they cover everything on the plots, get in your hair etc. Yuk!

I think all you can do is more of the same - watering and mulching and practising good hygiene to keep the tree as strong and healthy as possible.

 

[landimad]

Sound advice and I shall try to ensure that it is followed.
Thanks again for the links too.