With Spring in the air, it might seem like the perfect time to clean up the trees in your yard. But hold off on trimming oak trees.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says that oak trees shouldn’t be trimmed between April 15th and July 15th because of the risk of spreading “oak wilt”.
Oak wilt is a serious fungal disease that is a microscopic killer of oak trees. The fungus is spread by flying beetles. The disease is especially deadly for red oak trees and can kill them within weeks. It can also weaken white oak trees.
James Wieferich, forest health specialist in the DNR’s Forest Resources Division, said, “The guidelines against pruning oak trees during this time can help prevent the spread of the disease.”
Freshly cut firewood can also spread the disease.
Trees will show symptoms of oak wilt by wilting from the top down and rapidly dropping leaves. The disease usually shows up from late June to September.
The DNR warns that if you have a tree that gets damaged during the risk period from April 15 to July 15, immediately cover all wounds with tree-wound paint or latex-based paint.
Oak wilt outbreaks should be reported to the DNR.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
