Lately, a large amount of the United States’ remaining white oak population has been dying off. This is due to oak wilt (Ceratocystis fagacearum), a fungal disease that is spreading through Texas and the midwest. The fungus cuts off the tree’s supply of nutrients and water, which causes issues with the foliage and growth, eventually killing the tree. Bark beetles are the main carrier of the oak wilt fungus, spreading the disease as they bore into new trees.