What is a quick sign of oak wilt in trees?

What is a quick sign of oak wilt in trees?

• A. Emerald ash borer signs; D-shaped exit holes.
• B. Oak wilt signs; yellowing leaves only.
• C. Oak wilt signs; rapid leaf scorch and browning.
• D. Pine wilt signs; needle browning.

Answer: (C)

Oak wilt causes vascular blockage in oaks, so a quick sign is rapid leaf scorch and browning across the canopy. In red oaks, this scorch appears quickly, with leaves turning brown along the edges and tips and may wilt even while still on the tree. This rapid change is a hallmark of oak wilt. By contrast, signs such as D-shaped exit holes point to emerald ash borer on ash trees, and needle browning is associated with pine wilt or other issues, not oak wilt. So the fast, visible clue for oak wilt is the sudden, widespread leaf scorch and browning.