Bacterial Leaf Scorch in Missouri
HIGHDisease
Bacterial Leaf Scorch is currently active in Missouri. Watch your susceptible trees closely and act early.
About Bacterial Leaf Scorch
A chronic bacterial disease that affects many shade tree species, particularly oaks, elms, sycamores, and maples. The bacterium is transmitted by xylem-feeding leafhoppers and spittlebugs and colonizes the water-conducting vessels, restricting water flow. Symptoms worsen each year as more of the canopy is affected. There is no cure.
Symptoms to watch for
Marginal leaf browning (scorch) with a yellow or reddish-brown border between dead and green tissue, symptoms appear in mid to late summer, browning progresses inward from leaf margins, premature leaf drop, symptoms worsen each year affecting more of the canopy, individual branches show scorch before whole tree
Trees at risk in Missouri
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Treatment options
Antibiotic Trunk Injection
Trunk injection of oxytetracycline (Bacastat) can suppress symptoms for one to two seasons but does not cure the disease. Must be repeated annually.
Plant Health Care
Maintain tree vigor through proper watering, mulching, and fertilization. Remove severely declining trees and replace with resistant species. There is no cure for bacterial leaf scorch.
Recommended Products & Tools
Helpful supplies for managing Bacterial Leaf Scorch. Always read and follow label directions, and confirm a diagnosis before treating.
Protectant spray for many bacterial and fungal diseases.
For the rare case sealing is advised (e.g., oaks in oak-wilt season).
Sharp, clean cuts to remove affected wood — a tree-care essential.
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Browse all Missouri arborists →Frequently asked questions
Is Bacterial Leaf Scorch in Missouri?
Bacterial Leaf Scorch is currently active in Missouri. Watch your susceptible trees closely and act early.
What does Bacterial Leaf Scorch look like?
Marginal leaf browning (scorch) with a yellow or reddish-brown border between dead and green tissue, symptoms appear in mid to late summer, browning progresses inward from leaf margins, premature leaf drop, symptoms worsen each year affecting more of the canopy, individual branches show scorch before whole tree
What trees does Bacterial Leaf Scorch affect in Missouri?
It affects Red Oak, White Oak, American Elm, Sugar Maple, Red Maple, American Sycamore. Susceptibility varies by species.
How do I treat Bacterial Leaf Scorch?
Options include: Antibiotic Trunk Injection, Plant Health Care. Confirm the diagnosis before treating, and consider a certified arborist for high-value trees.