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Laurel wilt is a deadly tree disease that is killing avocado trees and native trees across Florida. This disease spreads fast, and once a tree is infected, it often cannot be saved.

We have seen how quickly this disease can wipe out healthy trees, so knowing the signs and steps to prevent it is very important for homeowners.

Let’s talk about how laurel wilt spreads, how to spot early warning signs, and what you can do to protect your trees.

Why is Laurel Wilt So Dangerous

Laurel wilt is a plant disease caused by a fungus. The fungus blocks water flow within the tree. When water cannot move, the tree slowly dries out and dies.

This disease attacks trees in the laurel family. That includes:

• Avocado trees
• Redbay trees
• Swamp bay trees
• Silk bay trees

Once a tree develops laurel wilt, it typically dies within weeks to months. There is no cure once the disease is fully inside the tree. That is why early action matters so much.

How the Ambrosia Beetle Spreads Laurel Wilt

The ambrosia beetle is the main reason laurel wilt spreads so fast. This beetle is very small, about the size of a grain of rice. Many homeowners never notice it.

Here is how the spread happens:

• The beetle carries the laurel wilt fungus on its body
• It bores into a healthy tree to lay eggs
• The fungus enters the tree through these tiny holes
• The fungus grows and blocks the tree’s water system

The beetle does not kill the tree on purpose. It only wants a place to live. But the fungus it carries is deadly. The beetle can fly from tree to tree. It can also spread through firewood or cut wood that is moved from one place to another.

Trees Most at Risk in Florida

Some trees are more likely to get laurel wilt than others. The highest risk trees in Florida include:

• Backyard avocado trees
• Wild redbay trees near homes
• Older laurel trees under stress

Trees already weakened by drought, storms, or poor soil are easier targets. Healthy trees can still get sick, but stressed trees are hit faster.

If you live near wooded areas, your risk is higher. The beetles often move from wild trees into neighborhoods.

Early Signs

Catching laurel wilt early is hard, but not impossible. I always tell homeowners to look for small changes that seem sudden.

Common warning signs include:

• Leaves turning brown or reddish while still on the tree
• Leaves wilting but not falling off right away
• Dark streaks in the wood under the bark
• Fine sawdust near small holes in the trunk

One key sign is speed. Laurel wilt does not move slowly. A healthy tree can look sick in just a few weeks. If one section of the tree dies fast, take it seriously.

Spreads Between Trees

Laurel wilt spreads in more than one way. Understanding this helps you stop it.

Primary spread methods include:

• Ambrosia beetles flying to new trees
• Beetles moving from dead trees to healthy ones
• Infected firewood being moved to new areas
• Improper pruning tools that are not cleaned

Once a tree dies, it becomes a strong beetle magnet. That dead tree can infect many others nearby.

How to Prevent Laurel Wilt

While there is no cure, there are ways to lower the risk. Prevention is the best defense. Regular tree trimming helps reduce stress on trees and lowers the risk of beetle activity.

Here are the steps I recommend:

• Do not move firewood from place to place
• Remove dead or dying laurel trees fast
• Keep trees healthy with proper watering
• Avoid heavy pruning during warm months

Healthy trees can still get sick, but good care helps slow beetle attacks.

Early Action Saves Nearby Trees

Once laurel wilt appears, time is critical. One infected tree can lead to many more.

Quick action helps by:

• Reducing beetle breeding areas
• Protecting nearby healthy trees
• Slowing spread across neighborhoods

I have seen cases where fast removal saved an entire yard of avocado trees. Waiting too long almost always results in greater loss.

Protecting Your Landscape

Laurel wilt is one of the most serious threats to trees in Florida today. It spreads quietly, moves quickly, and leaves little room for error.

By learning how the ambrosia beetle spreads the fungus, watching for early signs, and acting quickly, homeowners can reduce damage. Healthy trees, clean tools, and proper tree removal make a real difference.

If you have avocado or laurel trees on your property, stay alert. Laurel wilt may be deadly, but informed homeowners are not powerless.