The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) has confirmed laurel wilt in sassafras trees in Fairfield County. The fungal disease can kill sassafras and spicebush, and CAES is asking residents to watch for signs of infection.
Look for leaves that droop, wilt or turn brown; dark streaks in the wood beneath the bark; or thin, toothpick-like strands of sawdust on the tree. Laurel wilt does not affect mountain laurel.
If you see a wilting or dying sassafras or spicebush, report it to CAES.StateEntomologist@ct.gov or through the CAES online reporting tool. Do not move wood from an affected plant off your property.
