Since the 1950s, oak wilt has devastated nearly every oak species. Transferring quickly from oak tree to oak tree, the contagious nature of oak wilt has prompted statewide actions such as the halting of firewood transportation throughout the state in order to limit the spread. Here at Maier Tree and Lawn, our tree care professionals provide careful pruning and treatment to Rochester, MN, trees suffering from oak wilt and other tree diseases to help limit this spread and curb the damage to oak trees nationwide.
Oak wilt is a fungal tree disease that can quickly spread and dispatch oaks in a relatively short period of time. The fungus works its way into the water transport systems within the tree and can spread rapidly throughout the tree’s internal system. This leads to wilting leaves, leaf loss, surface discoloration, and a decline in overall health that some oak trees, once infected, will only survive between one and four months.
Oak wilt can be spread by a surprising number of different avenues. Insects, root connections, and firewood transport can all disseminate the fungal spores across the state and to other areas that may not yet be impacted. During the months of active growth and active insects, the spread tends to increase. Because of this, pruning and treating trees suffering from oak wilt is best done by tree care professionals during dormancy, or more specifically, November through March of every year.
Timing the treatment of your trees that are impacted by oak wilt is important because it limits the potential spread. This treatment may include the aforementioned pruning, but it can also involve other tree disease treatments such as root cutting, tree removal, or fungicidal application. The best course of action can be determined following a consultation by a tree care expert. But, in general, taking action on your own without expert input is not recommended as the contagious nature of oak wilt can be unintentionally exacerbated.
If your Rochester, MN, oak trees have been impacted by a tree disease such as oak wilt, the tree care professionals at Maier Tree and Lawn can help. Residents or land owners can call us at (507) 286–8733 or contact us online for more information.
