Oak Leaf Blister Red Flags

• There is a fungus on my tree leaves
• Live oaks leaves burnt and turning brown
• Live oak has some brownish leaves and just looks sick
• Leaves have a strange shape
• Leaves are thinner

What is Oak Leaf Blister?

Oak leaf blister is a fungus (Taphrina Caerulescens) that effects leaf buds when conditions are wet and humid in the spring. It is usually not an ongoing issue. 

The fungus effects leaf buds but we don’t see the results until leaf is developed.

How a Texas Tree Surgeons ISA Certified Arborist Diagnosis Oak Leaf Blister

Oak leaf Blister is usually a very easy fungus to diagnosis visually in combination with history from the homeowner. When the tree has additional stressors such as chlorosis, other fungal issues, or tree decline it may be a little more challenging to diagnose.

One of the main things that customers tell us that support an Oak Leaf Blister diagnosis is that it came on fast and they have never seen it before. 

How Texas Tree Surgeons Treats / Manages Oak Leaf Blister

Oak Leaf Blister manages itself and typically we do not recommend treatment of the fungus. 

We do not recommend treatment of Oak Leaf Blister because it is usually seasonal and a tree will be able to shed and replace the affected leaves that can not photosynthesize or the fungus will go away with normal seasonal leaf exchange. By the time we see the symptoms the Oak Leaf Blister Fungus is long gone and treatment would need to be done at the next bud break, March- July.

Trimming to increase airflow may also be recommended as well as watering practices

What can Homeowners do to Help Their Trees with Oak Leaf Blister?

General tree care health will support your tree through this stress. Trees that are healthy with reserved energy / sugars should recover by next year. 

We do recommend removing fallen and infected leaves from the property (as with all fungal issues). 

What will Happen to my Tree with Oak Leaf Blister?

Most likely it will fully recover and will only reoccur when conditions are right. 

What Species are Texas Tree Surgeons Arborists Seeing this Effect?

• Live Oaks

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our customers! While oak leaf blister can be unsightly, it is mostly harmless and is not a serious concern to the health of the tree. Of course, there are many oak health issues that can cause long-term damage and tree death. Oak wilt is a major concern. Trimming oaks should be avoided between February and July if possible, and proper precautions taken if trimming cannot be postponed. Oak decline is also a problem, especially in areas where many of the trees were planted around the same time, and are reaching the end of their lifespan. If you have any questions about the health of your oaks, or any other tree care issues, let us know!