Is it too late to trim oak trees?

Aug 13, Late fall/winter pruning is especially important for oak trees to help prevent spread of the fungus that causes oak wilt (see University of Wisconsin Garden Facts XHT).

Late spring and summer are usually not good times of year to prune because disease pathogens are present and wound closure is slower. Dec 14, However, if you are going to prune oak trees, it’s important to do it in winter to prevent introduction of oak wilt” says Paul Cigan, a WDNR forest health specialist.

Clean the pruning clipper and saw blade with a disinfectant of 9 parts clean water and 1 part household bleach.

The best period to prune oaks is between the months of October and March. In spring, stop pruning when daytime temperatures reach 50 degrees. This is because oak wilt - a fatal disease of oaks - is spread by beetles that feed Estimated Reading Time: 3 mins. Apr 06, “In general, the best time to prune is in winter when trees are dormant.” As of Jan. 31, the DNR had received reports of oak wilt in all Wisconsin counties except Ashland, Iron, Forest, Taylor.

Apr 15, These recommend harvesting only during the non-restricted period if your stand is in a county that has oak wilt or is within 6 miles of a county with oak wilt.

Harvesting restricted periods are dependent on your location in the state and are: North Zone: April. The best period to prune oaks is between the months of October and March. In spring, stop pruning when daytime temperatures reach 50 degrees.

This is because oak wilt - a fatal disease of oaks - is spread by beetles that feed on the sap of tree wounds. Apr 03, In general, the best time to prune trees is in winter. Oak wilt and other diseases move easily on or in firewood logs year-round. To protect trees in general, don’t move firewood long distances, or only use firewood labeled as Wisconsin-certified. As of January 31,oak wilt has been found in all Wisconsin counties except Douglas.

Jan 14, DNR Recommends Pruning Trees When They Have No Leaves. Pruning during winter is less likely to invite unwanted, disease-carrying pests like the beetles that carry oak wilt from one tree to another.

Photo credit: sasapanchenko. Contact (s): Paul Cigan, DNR forest health specialist,[email protected]