What typically happens to leaves of trees affected by Oak Wilt?

The leaves of trees affected by Oak Wilt exhibit distinct wilting behavior that typically manifests as wilting from the edge inward. This symptom is a characteristic response to the disease, which affects the tree's vascular system, impairing its ability to transport water and nutrients. As the disease progresses, the leaves may begin to turn yellow or brown as they dry out, ultimately resulting in a characteristic wilting pattern.

This wilting tends to start at the outer edges of the leaves. This phenomenon occurs because the edges are usually the first areas to be deprived of adequate water supply due to the blockage of the tree's water and nutrient-conducting vessels caused by the fungal pathogen related to Oak Wilt. Observing this specific symptom can help foresters and arborists identify Oak Wilt in affected trees.

Other symptoms associated with Oak Wilt can include premature leaf drop and changes in color, but the primary and most identifiable symptom is indeed the inward wilting pattern of the leaves. This is why wilting from the edge inward is the correct choice when describing the symptoms of Oak Wilt.