Oak Tatters

Oak tatters is a relatively new condition that affects emerging oak leaves, causing them to appear lacy or tattered. It has been observed throughout the Midwestern United States, including Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Missouri. This disorder was first reported during the 1980`s in Iowa, Indiana and Ohio, but has been observed only in the last 10 years in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

At this time, oak tatters remains somewhat of a mystery. It is not known whether an insect is responsible or if it is some kind of reaction to cold temperatures during budbreak. Healthy trees will grow a normal set of leaves later in the spring or early summer. There is not believed to be a significant health risk to the tree, but consecutive years of reduced leaf surface area could stress the host tree.