Early spring may be just arriving, but the time for tree care is already in full force. When it comes to protecting your trees from oak wilt, there’s no time like the present to start taking action.
What Is Oak Wilt?
Oak wilt is a tree disease caused by a fungus. This disease spreads primarily through root grafting. You may have also heard of “nitidulid beetles.” While the disease is not caused by beetles, it can be spread by them, as they are attracted to the sap of affected trees. If left unchecked, oak wilt can spread to unaffected trees, devastating the oak trees on your property.
How Do You Help Prevent Oak Wilt?
There are a few simple things you can do to protect your trees from oak wilt.
- Consult with a qualified arborist. Whether you have just one tree showing signs of oak wilt, or you’re struggling to save several trees, a qualified arborist will offer the best tips for controlling and treating your trees. Arborists are highly educated specialists in tree health, so you’ll get far more accurate and useful advice than you would from a regular tree trimming technician or a search engine query.
- Avoid pruning during oak wilt season. Oak wilt season runs from February to June. During these months, beetles attracted to infected trees can easily spread the disease to unaffected trees, especially if they’ve recently been pruned. Any cut in a tree compromises its defenses against oak wilt.
Preventative fungicide injections are more effective than therapeutic treatments and should be considered on high-value trees if oak wilt is suspected to be in the area.