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Oak trees are a long-lived, majestic, and popular feature of many parks, streets, and residential properties. However, in many areas, these trees are susceptible to a disease called “oak wilt.” You can combat this and keep your oaks alive and healthy with proper tree trimming and maintenance. Learn more about what you can do now to prevent this harmful tree disease in the guide below.

How Can You Prevent Oak Wilt?

Winter Tree Trimming

In Wisconsin, most species of oaks are susceptible to oak wilt, which is caused by sap-eating beetles. Because trees with open wounds are more vulnerable to the disease, pruning is only allowed in winter, as the beetles are not active from October to March.

tree trimmingRegular tree trimming helps to ensure the trees are structurally sound as they grow. Pruning pares away dead and weakened limbs to encourage healthy new growth. If your oaks sustain damage from a storm, call an arborist immediately, as damaged trees are more likely to develop oak wilt.

Signs of Oak Wilt

If branches in the upper canopy of the tree have dried, browning, or dead leaves, it may have oak wilt. Another symptom is when a tree loses leaves out of season that are irregularly brown. If you suspect your tree is infected, take a sample of bark or a branch to a certified arborist or county extension service for identification. Oak wilt affects various species differently, with red oaks dying rapidly and white oaks being weakened gradually over years. 

Disease Management

If you do have infected trees, they need to be removed or treated promptly to keep the disease from spreading. Removal of the entire tree and stump is the best defense, as the disease spreads easily through roots to other trees.

Taking these steps in winter helps to further reduce the risk of spreading. White oaks with less than 30% affected crown may respond to the application of a fungicide that can prolong, but not save, the life of the tree.

 

For winter oak tree trimming and maintenance in north and central Wisconsin, call  Todd’s Tip Top Complete Tree Service, based in Rhinelander. These 30-year tree care veterans are licensed and insured, and offer a wide variety of services, from emergency cleanup to yearly tree trimming. They have experienced, reliable crews and modern, specialized equipment to make sure your tree care is done efficiently and effectively. Call (715) 282-5858 for an estimate or visit their website to learn more.

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