Trees can get sick too! Some diseases, especially those caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses, can spread quickly among native trees. These diseases are harmful because the trees lack the natural defenses against the non-native diseases.
Certain diseases are especially dangerous because they could harm the most common trees in our forests, like beech, oak, walnut, and sassafras. If these diseases spread in Virginia, they could destroy large areas of forest.
Beech Leaf Disease
Beech Leaf Disease could drastically damage the mix of tree species in eastern forests. Beech trees are a major part of these forests, and their nuts are a key food source for wildlife. Fairfax County is carefully tracking its spread.
Sudden Oak Death, caused by a mold pathogen, is a threat to oak trees. Fairfax County is working with the United States Department of Agriculture to keep an eye out for signs of Sudden Oak Death in the area.
Thousand cankers disease is caused by a fungus and spread by a bark beetle. It can be deadly to black walnut trees. It now threatens black walnut trees throughout their native range, including Fairfax County.
If you notice any signs of the diseases listed, take a picture if you can and note the location. To report sightings or ask questions, reach out to the Urban and Community Forestry Division via email at pestmail@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-1770 | TTY 711.