A tree fungus known as laurel wilt is spreading rapidly across parts of central Florida, killing hundreds of redbay trees in its wake.
The fungus carried by ambrosia beetles attacks very quickly, killing the trees almost overnight. Leaves then hang on the dead trees for weeks or months.
“Trees are dying everywhere,” said Don Spence, a certified arborist who owns Native Florida Landscapes in Ormond Beach. The infestation has spread across Volusia and Flagler counties and has been spotted in the Ocala National Forest and up and down the St. Johns River.
The beetles drill into redbay trees and the female beetles inoculate the tree with rapidly multiplying fungi, according to Farley Palmer, who owns Palmer Biological Services in New Smyrna Beach. He said the bugs feed on fungus, which block the tree’s capillaries and prevent water from getting into the limbs, branches and leaves. The leaves quickly change from green to brown.
Specialists said the only hope is for trees to be treated early enough with a fungicide that protects the roots and keeps the fungus from taking hold. Palmer said that can cost between $100 and $300 per tree.
From Florida Today: https://www.floridatoday.com/viewart/20130311/NEWS01/303110027/Quickly-spreading-fungus-kills-Florida-s-redbay-trees