What's Killing Tulsa Trees?

By Rick Wells, The News On 6

TULSA, OKLAHOMA -- What's killing our oak trees? That's what a midtown Tulsa resident wants to know.

Many of the folks in one midtown Tulsa neighborhood say the beautiful trees are a big reason they moved in.

"That's what makes this all so pretty," Peggy Schroedter said.

Schroedter said she has lost several big oak trees and she's worried about the rest.

"What's alarming and to a lot of my friend is the fact they are dying so fast," she said.

The crew chief from All Seasons Lawn Care said this has been a tough year for trees.

Tim Nall, with We B Trees, said one reason for oak trees dying is hypoxylon canker, it's like a fungus.

He said there's no real cure for it. It attacks damaged or otherwise stressed trees. The bad news is it spreads and the only real prevention is to keep the trees healthy.

Still, it's worrisome for homeowners.

"Everyone is concerned, it's expensive to take them out and you can't replace them," Schroedter said.

Nall said a soil analysis could determine what nutrients are missing, which might help keep existing trees healthy.