Green Tech - September Report

Oak Wilt Wisdom

Oak Wilt is a fungus inhibiting all the conducting tissues in the oak tree. It is fairly easy to spot as the leaves can drop mid summer over just a matter of weeks.

As it is with any insect or disease, if we take care to observe the tree in its vigorous form, we will notice when something doesn’t look right. The best treatment in the landscape is to minimize stress and maintain tree health with attention to watering, mulching, fertilizing and avoidance of root compaction. The best treatment in natural areas is to monitor disease when it moves in, and try to prevent its spread to nearby healthy trees. The fungus moves from tree to tree by way of root grafts and insect vectors.

The other two most important tips about oak wilt are:
1. Observe the rule of green thumb to limit pruning oaks only when dormant (no pruning March through October). Cuts during the growing season expose sap literally calling the fungus-transporting insects.
2. When you suspect oak wilt has moved in, consult your state extension or an arborist for advise on the best approach to sever root grafts to protect healthy trees.

Good links:
http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/howtos/ht_oakwilt/toc.htm#summary
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/3000/3306.html

-Mary T. McClelland- GreenTech

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