oak trees this year

[nextqueen]

we have a huge oak tree at the bottom of our garden. Last year it had loads of leaves on it but this year, there doesnt seem to be so many and wondered why. You can see right through all the branches over to the neighbours at the bottom whereas as last year it really helped with privacy. It didn't seem to grow any leaves until the end of May which seemed late to us, any ideas what's going on?

[atalanta]

Either it is the weather or it is disease.
It may be the combination of early heat, late frost and far too much rain, but a major mature tree should be able to withstand all that.
look up "oak wilt" and see if the symptoms are the same. If they are, get in touch with the environmental department of the local council and a tree surgeon.

[julia-mag]

We have exactly the same thing happen to our oak tree, its amazing to be able o see the sky through the tree at this time of year, but, last year we had millions of acorns, the most in last 50 years, and we wondered whether that had taken the strength out of it for a year. Would be interested to find out if others have seen their oak trees like this.

[johnk]

They are attacked by caterpillars so if conditions are right for them they'll make quite a difference

[julia-mag]

I have looked for oak tree diseases and I am pleased to say there is nothing like that on my oak tree, the leaves are amazingly light green though, almost as if they are very young. Can only hope its a weather problem. Its certainly a lot 'lighter' in that part of the garden at the moment.

[heathfield]

A lot of trees round my way still have young leaves on them . Normally, they're nearly all fully mature by the end of June. Not this year, though.