Mature Willow Oak shedding leaves

[ghb624]

We have a very large (13+ foot girth) Willow Oak on city land adjoining our house. Age unknown but I presume in the one century range. We've lived here almost 20 years and this spring, for the first time in memory, it has been shedding leaves to a degree that causes some concern. Not a great deal of them, but enough to seem abnormal. This has been going on for perhaps the past 2-3 weeks. Rainfall has been right around average -- about 24 to 26 inches since the first of the year. I'm attaching an overall pic of the tree plus a couple shots of some typical fallen leaves. Am wondering if we're seeing one of those things that's just an occasional life cycle occurrence, or something to be more concerned about.

[ghb624]

By the way, we live in northern Alabama, 34 degrees N. latitude.

[Steve Bullman]

Could potentially be Oak Wilt disease which Willow Oak is succeptible to.  A bit more information here https://www.forestry.gov.uk/oakwilt

 

Whilst we are happy to help where we can, this is a predominantly UK focused forum. You may find better answers from people nearer to your region on www.arboristsite.com or www.treebuzz.com

[ghb624]

Understand, and thanks very much.

[Richard 1234]

Like the old pickup truck:) what is it?

[ghb624]

1986 Chevrolet, which I sold a few years ago.

[treeseer]

I'm in NC--looks like anthracnose; nonfatal.  Can be mitigated by pruning to increase air movement.

 

treebuzz.com might be a better US site.

Restoring 1006.pdf

[ghb624]

OK, thanks very much treeseer. Certainly hope the "nonfatal" part holds true. This tree is magnificent and priceless for the shade it provides in our long, hot summers. BTW, pruning would probably not be practical, given the tree's size, plus the fact that it's not really "ours." It's on city ROW property. 

[treeseer]

You're paying taxes on the land and the tree, so you own it!  it's definitely more practical to DIY and not wait for the city.

 

I'm in Durham; hit me up on my website if you want more info.

[Steve Bullman]

5 minutes ago, treeseer said:

You're paying taxes on the land and the tree, so you own it!

Excuse my ignorance to US law, but how does that work if he has already stated he doesn't own the tree?