Question
live oak tree disease
Dear Melissa,
We notice that our live oak tree has some sort of algae or rust (please see attached image). Initially, we notice, just algae started the bottom of the trunk, now the algae spreads upward to branches. As result, the tree has not grown as green as it should be. We concern that the algae may kill the tree. Please advise what type of fungicide or treatment we can use to stop the disease.
Thank you in advance and Happy Holidays!
Sincerely,
Ben
AnswerDear Ben, Try not to worry, because I don't think you have a bad problem. Thank you so much for including the picture; it really helped confirm my diagnosis. I believe what we are looking at is actually a type of bromeliad called Tillandsia, more commonly known as Spanish moss. Some people love it, some find it a nuisance. If it bothers you, you can pull it off the tree, or perhaps if you sprayed the trunk with dormant oil it might smother it enough to make it drop off. It actually won't hurt your tree. You could also go to a nursery or feed store, and ask what they would recommend to remove Tillandsia from tree bark. Now as far as the tree not being as green as it should be: you wrote at a perfect time, because the best time to fertilize your tree is late winter, so I would plan on feeding it in late February. Feed it a fertilizer with 13-13-13 on the label and give it about 2 pounds per age of the tree. Good luck, and happy holidays. Melissa
