Oak Wilt is especially aggressive this year. It spreads quickly and primarily through the root system of trees. It is also transported by beetles attracted to the sap at cuts in trees and we can also transport the disease with firewood if we are not careful.
To save your trees and protect your neighborhood take steps now with these precautions.
1. Inspect your trees
Because oak wilt most commonly spreads in the shared root system of oak trees, it is wise to ask in your neighbors if oak wilt has been detected. Since an infected tree as far as 200 feet away can be a danger to the roots of your trees you will want to take immediate steps to protect your trees.
Also monitor the health of your trees for early signs. It is not always easy to detect so if you see anything resembling these signs, it is wise to have an arborist do an evaluation. Only early treatment has the possibility of saving a diseased tree.
Trees begin to show signs of disease in early summer. Look for discolored veins in live and white oak trees and fungal patches or cracks on trunks. For red oaks, look for autumn coloring patterns of red or brown on leaves in summer.
2. Good pruning practices
It is wise to discontinue any tree trimming until the heat of summer in July. The beetles and fungus that spread oak wilt are most active in the Spring, so discontinue oak trimming from February 15 – July 1.
If a branch breaks or a cut is essential in this timeframe, it is important that the cut be immediately painted with a wound sealer to stop the incursion of fungal spores.
Good pruning practices are essential to protect oak trees. Sanitize all pruning equipment and treat all cuts with a wound sealer or latex paint regardless of season.
3. Trenching
If oak wilt is discovered, it is wise to create a barrier zone between the diseased tree and the healthy trees to break the root network underground.
You can protect a group of healthy trees by establishing a trench at least four feet deep and 100 feet from infected trees to disrupt root connections.
4. Fungicide
Another way to protect oak trees is with a fungicide injection. Our arborist can help you with a treatment program to protect your valuable or susceptible trees.
5. Caution with firewood
Sometimes we are the cause of oak wilt when we improperly handle diseased firewood. Any diseased red oak tree must be cut down and the wood ideally burned in place to prevent the spread of disease. Similarly, if you suspect or cannot confirm that your firewood source is free of oak wilt fungus, store it wrapped in plastic to prevent the fungus from leaching into the soil. Here are some tips on sourcing and using firewood properly.
The Texas A&M Forest Service is also a great source for additional information on oak wilt.
If you suspect oak wilt or have heard that it is in your neighborhood, it is wise to take preventative action now. Contact us and we can arrange for you to meet with our arborist to discuss a preventative plan for your yard.
