Stop the Spread (of Oak Wilt)

April 22, 2023

We’re all feeling the itch to get out in the yard and spruce things up, but the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued a notice to keep the chainsaw away from your oak trees between April 15 and July 15. That window is prime season for oak wilt as nitidulid beetles—also known as sap beetles—carry the dangerous fungus spores from tree to tree. If an oak has been pruned, it’s that much easier for the fungus and accompanying disease to take hold. According to the DNR, oak wilt can “weaken white oaks and kill red oaks within a few weeks.” They recommend that if you have an oak tree that sustains damage over the next few months, “immediately cover all wounds with tree-wound paint or latex-based paint.” If you think one of your trees has oak wilt (wilting from the top down, with green and/or brown leaves falling), visit michiganoakwilt.org to get connected with a specialist who can help stop the spread.