New York Confirms First Case Of Deadly Tree Disease

If you’ve got sassafras or spicebush growing in your yard, there’s a new threat to keep an eye on.

For the first time ever, New York state officials have confirmed the arrival of a tree-killing fungal disease called laurel wilt . It popped up this summer on Long Island, after a homeowner in Northport noticed their sassafras tree quickly dying and sent in a sample to Cornell University’s Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic for testing.

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