Smooth Patch is actually a fungal infection of the bark on several species of oak trees. In the Southeast smooth patch mostly effects trees in the white oak family. The main fungi causing smooth patch is Aleurodiscus oakesii. This fungus actually colonizes and decomposes the outer corky, dead layers of bark on living trees. The infection is restricted to the outer bark, causing it to slough off. The result is smooth depressed areas on the trunk as seen the attached photo. Since the bark lesions are so universally present in white and post oak in the South East, they often help in quickly identifying these two species.
Smooth bark fungus only invades the outer non-living bark tissues and is not a threat to the overall health of the tree. The fungus is spread by the wind and rain. It can also be activated by overhead irrigation regularly hitting the tree. No control is recommended for smooth patch other than promoting vigorous tree growth by proper watering and balanced fertilization. Care should also be taken to avoid wounding the trunk and branches, since open wounds can allow other types of fungi or bacteria into the tree’s vascular system.
If you have any questions or concerns about the health of your trees and landscape, give Shrub Doctor a call. Our ISA certified arborists will gladly assess the health of your trees and prescribe a best practices to keep your valuable trees healthy and happy for many years to come.
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