Thank you for noticing this issue and calling it to the attention of the city. If it's oak wilt, I sure hope it doesn't spread to that grand oak in the middle of the park. I admire that one everyday.

While these two bur oaks are in decline they are not exhibiting any symptoms of oak wilt. Oak wilt is typically not the catalyst behind most oak tree decline/death, but is readily assumed to be the cause. Wilt is a very serious disease and cause for alarm, and casually assigning this as the culprit can quickly escalate unwarranted concern. We have been fortunate that oak wilt has not spread throughout our community so far. There are many other causes for oak tree decline. This area was heavily excavated in recent years which could have had a detrimental affect on the root system and hydrology of these trees. No other oaks in West Park (including the large bur oak immediately to the east of these two) are experiencing symptoms of disease or decline. This indicates a localized issue specific to the site surrounding these two particular trees. While further research is conducted to determine the cause of the decline, the trees will continue to be monitored and considered for removal.

Your request has been acknowledged and/or addressed to the best of staff's ability. A more detailed description of action taken by staff, if available, is provided in the comments above. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.