An invasive fungal disease that targets trees and shrubs in the laurel family was detected for the first time in New York in July, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

The disease, called laurel wilt, was discovered in the village of Northport, Long Island when a homeowner sent a sample of their dying sassafras tree for testing at Cornell University’s Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic.

“The detection of laurel wilt on Long Island marks a troubling new chapter in the spread of this invasive plant disease,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “DEC is collaborating with our conservation partners to understand the extent of impacted trees, evaluate control options, and launch public outreach to increase awareness about laurel wilt and how to report it.”

Laurel wil

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