Swamp white oak is susceptible to various insect pests, fungi, cankers, and wilts but none are serious. It is relatively resistant to oak wilt but may be affected by "oak decline;" anthracnose may sometimes be a problem. Growth in alkaline soils (with pH above 7.2) may cause iron chlorosis.

Because of the slow self-pruning habit of swamp white oak, lower branches may require pruning in areas where high clearance is necessary.

Severe fires can top-kill mature trees of swamp white oak. Fire-damaged survivors are susceptible to disease and insect attack. Moderate fires may kill seedlings and saplings, but young individuals can re-sprout following fire. Acorns are easily destroyed by fire because of high moisture content.