What are black spots on tree bark?
Matthew Barrera
Published Jun 01, 2026
What are black spots on tree bark?
Black spot is caused by a fungus called Diplocarpon rosaewhich overwinters on infected leaves. In the spring, especially in areas of high humidity and rain, the fungal spores are splashed on to new leaves and begin their infection cycle.
How do I get rid of black fungus on my tree trunk?
If your tree only has a bit of damage, your arborist will wait until the dormant season (when the tree loses its leaves) to begin pruning. Clean up right. When a professional treats black knot, they’ll destroy removed parts to completely get rid of the fungus and all its spores.
What kind of tree has black spots on the bark?
Oaks (Quercus spp.) are a large genus of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs found throughout U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 10. Oak trees are susceptible to several diseases, including those that cause oozing black spots on the bark to appear.
Why is the bark on my oak tree turning black?
Knowing which disease is causing the liquid to ooze out of the bark will allow you to properly treat the oak tree and prevent the problem from reoccurring. Also called slime flux, wetwood is a bacterial disease that is common in poplar and elm trees, but which can also affect maples, magnolias and oaks.
How can you tell if an oak tree is dying?
Decaying Bark. Another sign that your oak tree is dying is the presence of decaying bark. Granted, this isn’t limited strictly to oaks; many species of trees experience this problem.
What to do about black spots on oak trees?
Drippy oak is not a threat to the health of the oak tree, and the drippy substance can be washed off the tree with soapy water. Infected limbs and leaves can be pruned off the tree as long as the pruning isn’t extensive. Practicing good sanitation and cultural care goes a long way to preventing diseases in oak trees.
What causes brown spots on the bark of an oak tree?
The fungus causes black to brown discoloration in the sapwood which can be observed in a cross-section of the wood. The fungus enters the tree through wounded twigs. Brown streaks can be observed in the sapwood of infected twigs and branches. Bark lesions that resemble pimple-like swellings will also develop.
Oaks (Quercus spp.) are a large genus of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs found throughout U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 10. Oak trees are susceptible to several diseases, including those that cause oozing black spots on the bark to appear.
What are the symptoms of oak tree disease?
Area(s) affected. Leaves and twigs. Signs/Symptoms. Brown, irregular spots form on the leaves. These spots tend to follow the leaf veins and midrib causing only a portion of the leaf to turn brown. After drying, the spots will have a papery texture.
Drippy oak is not a threat to the health of the oak tree, and the drippy substance can be washed off the tree with soapy water. Infected limbs and leaves can be pruned off the tree as long as the pruning isn’t extensive. Practicing good sanitation and cultural care goes a long way to preventing diseases in oak trees.