West Lake Hills City Council discussed the threat of oak wilt to the Westlake area at its Dec. 9 meeting. The only solution to the contagious fungal tree disease is severing the tree roots by trenching, Mayor Linda Anthony said. "Trenching is the best way to approach oak wilt,"  resident Kevin Lee said. "Fungicide can work on specific trees, but [for example] I can [treat] all my trees, but if my neighbor doesn't treat his trees, then it just keeps moving through." The logical place to trench is Westwood Terrace, he said. The spread could devastate backyards in West Lake Hills if a solution was not in place within a year, he said. Anthony and council member Brian Plunkett will comprise a subcommittee to explore options and programs used to control oak wilt in other cities. Rollingwood City Council considered tackling the problem through implementing stricter regulations for tree permits at their Dec. 16 meeting. Rollingwood formerly required tree trimmers to have insurance and be certified as an arborist before issuing a tree permit, Alderwoman Sara Hutson said. Sterilizing equipment between trees is an important part of preventing the spread of disease, she said. Alderman Bobby Dillard said requiring an arborist would be an extreme solution and recommended compiling a list of preferred tree trimmers for residents to choose from. Rollingwood City Council did not take action regarding the matter but city administrator Charles Winfield said he will continue to act as a liaison to West Lake Hills as their subcommittee researches possible plans of action.