Hypoxylon canker targets trees already weakened by stress, and after a hot San Antonio summer, that puts a lot of live oaks at risk. Texas Tree Authority's arborists watch for this fungus because it develops inside the wood before it's obvious from outside.
The clearest warning sign is bark sloughing off in patches to reveal a silvery or olive-colored fungal layer underneath. By that point, the wood underneath is often already significantly compromised, which matters most for trees near a home, driveway, or power line.
Because hypoxylon canker usually takes hold in trees stressed by drought, heat, or root damage, keeping a tree healthy is the best prevention. Proper watering, protecting the root zone, and checking stressed trees before symptoms appear all help.
If a live oak on your property has looked thin or stressed this summer, an assessment now can catch problems before they become urgent.
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Close-up job photo of bark sloughing off to reveal fungal growth underneath, paired with a wider shot of the affected tree's canopy.
Canva text suggestion: "Is Your Live Oak at Risk?" or "Catch Hypoxylon Canker Early"