Concerned about my Red Oak (Oak wilt or just drought stress?) [Photos]

[silvercreek]

I may just be paranoid, but I have concerns about a large Red Oak in my backyard. Very valuable tree to me and I want to do everything I can to save it. If I lost it, it would be a disaster to me. For the most part the tree looks healthy to me, with a lot of green leaves that are in good shape. But as the days go on, I am noticing more and more leaves dropping and other ones turning pale green or brown, all over the tree. I accidentally wounded it 3-4 weeks ago by trimming a small branch off (I thought the branch was dead... it was not) and I'm worried I may have let in Oak Wilt. There is no Oak Wilt in my immediate neighborhood that I know of, but I know it's in the area. I attached a few photos of some dead/dying leaves with an unusual pattern. They are all over the tree, and starting to drop off.

I am hoping it's just a response from the 100 degree heat we had last week here in Central Texas, but as it continues to worsen, I'm getting concerned.

View attachment 303544View attachment 303545View attachment 303546

 

[PJM]

Sure looks like oak wilt. Only real way to tell is send in samples to a diagnostic lab. Maybe it's bacterial leaf scorch. But if it's progressing fast, more likely to be wilt.

And no more pruning your oaks during summer; even the deadwood. Don't wound the tree needlessly.